Detergent composition comprising polymeric suds volume and suds duration enhancers

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising polymeric suds volume and suds duration enhancers. These polymeric materials provide enhanced suds volume and suds duration during cleaning.

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/135,982, filed May 26, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to polymers, mixtures thereof suitable for use as suds volume and suds duration enhancers in detergent compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The formulation of laundry detergents and other cleaning compositions presents a considerable challenge, since modern compositions are required to remove a variety of soils and stains from diverse substrates. Thus, laundry detergents, hard surface cleaners, shampoos and other personal cleansing compositions, detergent compositions suitable for use in automatic dishwashers, and the like, all require the proper selection and combination of ingredients in order to function effectively. In general, such detergent compositions will contain one or more types of surfactants which are designed to loosen and remove soils and stains. However, the removal of body soils, greasy/oily soils and certain food stains quickly and efficiently can be problematic.

The presence of suds cleaning operation has long been used as a signal that the detergent continues to be effective. However, depending upon the circumstances, the presence of suds or the lack thereof, has no bearing upon the efficacy of the detergents. Therefore, the consumer has come to rely upon a somewhat erroneous signal, the lack or absence of soap suds, to indicate the need for additional detergent. In many instances the consumer is adding an additional amount of detergent far in excess of the amount necessary to thoroughly clean.

The lack of suds typically compels the consumer to add additional detergent when a sufficient amount still remains in solution to effectively remove the soil and grease. However, effective grease cutting and cleaning materials do not necessarily produce a substantial amount of corresponding suds. Furthermore, suds offer a visually appealling experience durring the wash process and effectively cover the dirty wash water.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for detergent compositions which have an enduring suds level while maintaining effective cleaning. The need exists for a composition which can maintain a high level of suds as long as the composition is effective. Indeed, there is a long felt need to provide a cleaning composition which can be use efficiently by the consumer such that the consumer uses only the necessary amount of detergent to fully accomplish the cleaning task.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the aforementioned needs in that it has been surprisingly discovered that certain polymers serve as suds duration and suds volume extenders. The effective polymers of the present invention provide both increased suds volume and suds duration when formulated in a detergent composition.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising:

-   -   a) an effective amount of a polymeric suds stabilizer comprising         at least one monomeric unit of the formula:     -   wherein each of R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from         the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, and mixtures         thereof; L is selected from the group consisting of a bond, O,         NR⁶, SR⁷R⁸ and mixtures thereof, wherein R⁶ is selected from the         group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₈ alkyl and mixtures         thereof; each of R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, O, C₁ to         C₈ alkyl and mixtures thereof, or SR⁷R⁸ form a heterocyclic ring         containing from 4 to 7 carbon atoms, optionally containing         additional hetero atoms and optionally substituted; Z is         selected from the group consisting of: —(CH₂)—, (CH₂—CH═CH)—,         —(CH₂—CHOH)—, (CH₂—CHNR⁶)—, —(CH₂—CHR¹⁴—O)— and mixtures         thereof; wherein R¹⁴ is selected from the group consisting of         hydrogen, C₁ to C₆ alkyl and mixtures thereof; z is an integer         selected from about 0 to about 12; A is NR⁴R⁵, wherein each of         R⁴ and R⁵ are independently selected from the group consisting         of hydrogen, C₁-C₈ linear or branched alkyl, alkyleneoxy having         the formula:         —(R¹⁰O)_(y)R¹¹     -   wherein R¹⁰ is C₂-C₄ linear or branched alkylene, and mixtures         thereof;     -   R¹¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, and mixtures thereof; y is from 1         to about 10; or NR⁴R⁵ form an heterocyclic ring containing from         4 to 7 carbon atoms, optionally containing additional hetero         atoms, optionally fused to a benzene ring, and optionally         substituted by C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl; and wherein said polymeric         suds stabilizer has a molecular weight of from about 1,000 to         about 2,000,000 daltons;     -   b) a detersive surfactant; and     -   c) the balance carriers and other adjunct ingredients.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising:

-   -   a) an effective amount of a proteinaceous suds stabilizer, said         stabilizer having an isoelectric point of from about 7 to about         11.5;     -   b) an effective amount of a detersive surfactant; and     -   c) the balance carriers and other adjunct ingredients.

The present invention further relates to proteinaceous materials in the form of peptides, polypeptides, peptide copolymers, and mixtures thereof which are suitable for use in detergents wherein the formulator desires to extend the amount and duration of suds.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to detergent compositions suitable for use in hand dishwashing, said compositions comprising:

-   -   a) an effective amount of a zwitterionic polymeric suds         stabilizer;     -   b) an effective amount of a detersive surfactant; and     -   c) the balance carriers and other adjunct ingredients.

The present invention further relates to zwitterionic polymeric materials which are suitable for use in detergents wherein the formulator desires to extend the amount and duration of suds.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising:

-   -   a) an effective amount of a polymeric suds stabilizer, said         stabilizer comprising:     -   i) units capable of having a cationic charge at a pH of from         about 4 to about 12;     -   provided that said suds stabilizer has an average cationic         charge density from about 0.0005 to about 0.05 units per 100         daltons molecular weight at a pH of from about 4 to about 12;     -   b) an effective amount of a detersive surfactant; and     -   c) the balance carriers and other adjunct ingredients.

These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims.

In the description of the invention various embodiments and/or individual features are disclosed. As will be apparent for the skilled practitioner all combinations of such embodiments and features are possible and can result in preferred executions of the invention.

All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified. All temperatures are in degrees Celsius (° C.) unless otherwise specified. All documents cited are in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to polymers which provide increased suds volume and increase suds duration. The present invention also relates to detergent compositions comprising polymers which provide extended suds volume and suds duration without sacrificing the grease cutting ability of said liquid detergent compositions. The detergent compositions of the present invention comprise suds boosting polymers selected from (i) polymers comprising at least one monomeric unit; (ii) proteinaceous suds stabilizer; (iii) zwitterionic polymeric suds stabilizer; and (iv) polymers comprising units capable of having a cationic charge.

In addition, the polymers of the present invention act together with surfactants and other adjunct ingredients to provide for efficient grease cutting and anti-redepositon of grease.

(i) Polymers Comprising at Least One Monomeric Unit

In one aspect of the present invention the polymeric suds stabilizers comprise at least one monomeric unit of the formula:

wherein each of R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, more preferably, hydrogen or methyl. L is selected from the group consisting of a bond, O, NR⁶, SR⁷R⁸ and mixtures thereof, preferably, O, NR⁶, wherein R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₈ alkyl and mixtures thereof, preferably, hydrogen, C₁ to C₃, and mixtures thereof, more preferably hydrogen, methyl; each of R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, O, C₁ to C₈ alkyl and mixtures thereof, preferably, hydrogen, C₁ to C₃, and mixtures thereof, more preferably hydrogen or methyl. By “O”, an oxygen linked via a double bond is meant, such as a carbonyl group. Furthermore this means that when either or both R⁷R⁸ is “O”, SR ⁷R⁸ can have the following structures:

Alternatively, SR⁷R⁸ form a heterocyclic ring containing from 4 to 7 carbon atoms, optionally containing additional hetero atoms and optionally substituted. For example SR⁷R⁸ can be:

However, it is preferred that SR⁷R⁸, when present, is not a heterocycle.

When L is a bond it means that there is a direct link, or a bond, between the carbonyl carbon atom to Z, when z is not zero. For example:

When L is a bond and z is zero, it means L is a bond from the carbonyl atom to A. For example:

Z is selected from the group consisting of: —(CH₂)—, (CH₂—CH═CH)—, —(CH₂—CHOH)—, (CH₂—CHNR⁶)—, —(CH₂—CHR¹⁴—O)— and mixtures thereof, preferably —(CH₂)—. R¹⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₆ alkyl and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen, methyl, ethyl and mixtures thereof; z is an integer selected from about 0 to about 12, preferably about 2 to about 10, more preferably about 2 to about 6.

A is NR⁴R⁵. Wherein each of R⁴ and R⁵ are is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₈ linear or branched alkyl, alkyleneoxy having the formula: —(R¹⁰O)_(y)R¹¹

-   -   wherein R¹⁰ is C₂-C₄ linear or branched alkylene, and mixtures         thereof; R¹¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, and mixtures thereof; y         is from 1 to about 10. Preferably R⁴ and R⁵ are independently,         hydrogen, C₁ to C₄ alkyl. Alternatively, NR⁴R⁵ can form a         heterocyclic ring containing from 4 to 7 carbon atoms,         optionally containing additional hetero atoms, optionally fused         to a benzene ring, and optionally substituted by C₁ to C₈         hydrocarbyl. Examples of suitable heterocycles, both substituted         and unsubstituted, are indolyl, isoindolinyl imidazolyl,         imidazolinyl, piperidinyl pyrazolyl, pyrazolinyl, pyridinyl,         piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, guanidino, amidino,         quinidinyl, thiazolinyl, morpholine and mixtures thereof, with         morpholino and piperazinyl being preferred. Furthermore the         polymeric suds stabilizer has a molecular weight of from about         1,000 to about 2,000,000 preferably from about 5,000 to about         1,000,000, more preferably from about 10,000 to about 750,000,         more preferably from about 20,000 to about 500,000, even more         preferably from about 35,000 to about 300,000 daltons. The         molecular weight of the polymeric suds boosters, can be         determined via conventional gel permeation chromatography.

While, it is preferred that the polymeric suds stabilizers (i), be selected from homopolymer, copolymers and terpolymers, other polymers (or multimers) of the at least one monomeric unit, the polymeric suds stabilizers can also be envisioned via polymerization of the at least one monomeric unit with a wider selection of monomers. That is, all the polymeric suds stabilizers, (i) can be a homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, etc. of the at least one monomeric unit, or the polymeric suds stabilizer can be copolymers, terpolymers, etc. containing one, two or more of the at least one monomeric unit and one, two or more monomeric units other than the at least one monomeric unit. For example a suitable homopolymer is:

wherein R¹, R⁴, R⁵ and z are as hereinbefore defined. For example a suitable copolymer is:

-   -   wherein R¹, R⁴, R⁵ and z are as hereinbefore defined; and (ii)     -   wherein R¹ and L are as hereinbefore defined, and B is selected         from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl,         NR⁴R⁵, and mixtures thereof; wherein each of R⁴ and R⁵ are         independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁         to C₈ alkyl, and mixtures thereof, or NR⁴R⁵ form a heterocyclic         ring containing from 4 to 7 carbon atoms, optionally containing         additional hetero atoms, optionally fused to a benzene ring, and         optionally substituted by C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl;         wherein ratio of (i) to (ii) is from about 99:1 to about 1:10.         Some preferred examples of

For example a copolymer can be made from two monomers, G and H, such that G and H are randomly distributed in the copolymer, such as

-   -   GHGGHGGGGGHHG . . . etc.         or G and H can be in repeating distributions in the copolymer,         for example     -   GHGHGHGHGHGHGH . . . etc., or     -   GGGGGHHGGGGGHH . . . etc.,

The same is true of the terpolymer, the distribution of the three monomers can be either random or repeating.

For example a suitable polymeric suds stabilizer, which is a copolymer is:

-   -   wherein R¹, R⁴, R⁵ and z are as hereinbefore defined; and     -   wherein R¹ Z and z are as hereinbefore defined, each of R¹² and         R¹³ are independently selected from the group consisting of         hydrogen, C₁ to C₈ alkyl and mixtures thereof, preferably,         hydrogen, C₁ to C₃, and mixtures thereof, more preferably         hydrogen, methyl, or R¹² and R¹³ form a heterocyclic ring         containing from 4 to 7 carbon atoms; and R¹⁵ is selected from         the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₈ alkyl and mixtures         thereof, preferably, hydrogen, C₁ to C₃, and mixtures thereof,         more preferably hydrogen, methyl,         wherein ratio of (i) to (ii) is from about 99:1 to about 1:10.

Some preferred at least one monomeric units, which can be additionally combined together to from copolymers and terpolymers include:

An example of a preferred homopolymer is 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAM) having the formula:

Some preferred copolymers include: copolymers of

An example of a preferred copolymer is the (DMA)/(DMAM) copolymer having the general formula:

wherein the ratio of (DMA) to (DMAM) is about 1 to about 10, preferably about 1 to about 5, more preferably about 1 to about 3.

An example of a preferred copolymer is the (DMAM)/(DMA) copolymer having the general formula:

wherein the ratio of (DMAM) to (DMA) is about 1 to about 5, preferably about 1 to about 3.

The detergent compositions according to the first aspect of the present invention comprise at least an effective amount of the polymeric suds stabilizers, (i) described herein, preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 5%, most preferably from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, of said composition. What is meant herein by “an effective amount polymeric suds stabilizers” is that the suds volume and suds duration produced by the presently described compositions are sustained for an increased amount of time relative to a composition which does not comprise one or more of the polymeric suds stabilizer described herein. Additionally, the polymeric suds stabilizer can be present as the free base or as a salt. Typical counter ions include, citrate, maleate, sulfate, chloride, etc.

These and other suitable polymeric suds stabilizers and methods of preparing them, can be found in PCT/US98/24853 filed Nov. 20, 1998.

(ii) Proteinaceous Suds Stabilizer

The proteinaceous suds stabilizers of the present invention can be peptides, polypeptides, amino acid containing copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Any suitable amino acid can be used to form the backbone of the peptides, polypeptides, or amino acid containing copolymers of the present invention provided at least 10% to about 40% of said amino acids which comprise the peptides are capable of being protonated at a pH of from 7 to about 11.5.

The proteinaceous suds stabilizers of the present invention comprise at least about 10% by weight of one or more amino acid residues, preferably amino acid residues having a proton accepting or proton donor moiety. The proteinaceous suds stabilizers can comprise any other amino acid compatible units which provide for extended suds formation and suds volume.

For the purposes of the present invention the term “peptide” and “polypeptide” stand equally well for polymers which comprise 100% amino acids as described herein below and which have a molecular weight of at least about 1500 daltons. For the purposes of the present invention the term “amino acid containing co-polymers” is defined as “polymeric material comprising at least about 10% by weight of one or more amino acids as defined herein provided said polymeric material has a molecular weight of at least about 1500 daltons”.

The preferred proteinaceous suds stabilizers according to the present invention have an isoelectric point of form 7 to about 11.5, preferably from about 8.5 to about 11.5, more preferably form about 9.5 to about 11.

In general, the amino acids suitable for use in forming the proteinaceous suds stabilizers of the present invention have from 2 to 22 carbon atoms, said amino acids having the formula:

wherein R and R¹ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₆ linear or branched alkyl, C₁-C₆ substituted alkyl, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable moieties for substitution on the C₁-C₆ alkyl units include amino, hydroxy, carboxy, amido, thio, thioalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, wherein said phenyl substitution is hydroxy, halogen, amino, carboxy, amido, and mixtures thereof. Further non-limiting examples of suitable moieties for substitution on the R and R¹ C₁-C₆ alkyl units include 3-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolinyl, 4-imidazolinyl, 2-piperidinyl, 3-piperidinyl, 4-piperidinyl, 1-pyrazolyl, 3-pyrazoyl, 4-pyrazoyl, 5-pyrazoyl, 1-pyrazolinyl, 3-pyrazolinyl, 4-pyrazolinyl, 5-pyrazolinyl, 2-pyridinyl, 3-pyridinyl, 4-pyridinyl, piperazinyl, 2-pyrrolidinyl, 3-pyrrolidinyl, guanidino, amidino, and mixtures thereof. Preferably R¹ is hydrogen and at least 10% of R units are moieties which are capable of having a positive or negative charge at a pH of from about 7 to about 11.5. Each R² is independently hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, guanidino, C₁-C₄ alkyl, or comprises a carbon chain which can be taken together with R, R¹ any R² units to form an aromatic or non-aromatic ring having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms wherein said ring may be a single ring or two fused rings, each ring being aromatic, non-aromatic, or mixtures thereof. When the amino acids according to the present invention comprise one or more rings incorporated into the amino acid backbone, then R, R¹, and one or more R² units will provide the necessary carbon—carbon bonds to accommodate the formation of said ring. Preferably when R is hydrogen, R¹ is not hydrogen, and vice versa; preferably at least one R² is hydrogen. The indices x and y are each independently from 0 to 2.

An example of an amino acid according to the present invention which contains a ring as part of the amino acid backbone is 2-aminobenzoic acid (anthranilic acid) having the formula:

wherein x is equal to 1, y is equal to 0 and R, R¹, and 2 R² units from the same carbon atom are taken together to form a benzene ring.

A further example of an amino acid according to the present invention which contains a ring as part of the amino acid backbone is 3-aminobenzoic acid having the formula:

wherein x and y are each equal to 1, R is hydrogen and R¹ and four R² units are taken together to form a benzene ring.

Non-limiting examples of amino acids suitable for use in the proteinaceous suds stabilizers of the present invention wherein at least one x or y is not equal to 0 include 2-aminobenzoic acid, 3-aminobenzoic acid, 4-aminobenzoic acid, b-alanine, and b-hydroxyaminobutyric acid.

The preferred amino acids suitable for use in the proteinaceous suds stabilizers of the present invention have the formula:

wherein R and R¹ are independently hydrogen or a moiety as describe herein above preferably R¹ is hydrogen and at least from about 10% to about 40% of R units comprise a moiety having a positive charge at a pH of from about 7 to about 11.5.

More preferred amino acids which comprise the proteinaceous suds stabilizers of the present invention have the formula:

wherein R is hydrogen, C₁-C₆ linear or branched alkyl, C₁-C₆ substituted alkyl, and mixtures thereof. R is preferably C₁-C₆ substituted alkyl wherein preferred moieties which are substituted on said C₁-C₆ alkyl units include amino, hydroxy, carboxy, amido, thio, C₁-C₄ thioalkyl, 3-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolinyl, 4-imidazolinyl, 2-piperidinyl, 3-piperidinyl, 4-piperidinyl, 1-pyrazolyl, 3-pyrazoyl, 4-pyrazoyl, 5-pyrazoyl, 1-pyrazolinyl, 3-pyrazolinyl, 4-pyrazolinyl, 5-pyrazolinyl, 2-pyridinyl, 3-pyridinyl, 4-pyridinyl, piperazinyl, 2-pyrrolidinyl, 3-pyrrolidinyl, guanidino, amidino, phenyl, substituted phenyl, wherein said phenyl substitution is hydroxy, halogen, amino, carboxy, and amido.

An example of a more preferred amino acid according to the present invention is the amino acid lysine having the formula:

wherein R is a substituted C₁ alkyl moiety, said substituent is 4-imidazolyl.

Non-limiting examples of preferred amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, and mixtures thereof. The aforementioned amino acids are typically referred to as the “primary a-amino acids”, however, the proteinaceous suds stabilizers of the present invention may comprise any amino acid having an R unit which together with the aforementioned amino acids serves to adjust the isoelectric point of the proteinaceous suds stabilizers to a range of from about 7 to about 11.5. For example, further non-limiting examples of amino acids include homoserine, hydroxyproline, norleucine, norvaline, ornithine, penicillamine, and phenylglycine, preferably ornithine. R units preferably comprise moieties which are capable of a cationic or anionic charges within the range of pH from about 7 to about 11.5. Non-limiting examples of preferred amino acids having anionic R units include glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and g-carboxyglutamic acid.

For the purposes of the present invention, both optical isomers of any amino acid having a chiral center serve equally well for inclusion into the backbone of the peptide, polypeptide, or amino acid copolymers. Racemic mixtures of one amino acid may be suitably combined with a single optical isomer of one or more other amino acids depending upon the desired properties of the final proteinaceous suds stabilizer. The same applies to amino acids capable of forming diasteriomeric pairs, for example, threonine.

1. Polyamino Acid Proteinaceous Suds Stabilizer

One type of suitable proteinaceous suds stabilizer according to the present invention is comprised entirely of the amino acids described herein above. Said polyamino acid compounds may be naturally occurring peptides, polypeptides, enzymes, and the like, provided said compounds have an isoelectric point of from about 7 to about 11.5 and a molecular weight greater than or equal to about 1500 daltons. Preferably the proteinaceous suds stabilizers of the present invention which are comprised entirely of amino acids, comprise from about 10% to about 40% by weight, of amino acids which are capable of being protonated at a pH of from about 7 to about 11.5. An example of a polyamino acid which is suitable as a proteinaceous suds stabilizer according to the present invention is the enzyme lysozyme.

An exception may, from time to time, occur in the case where naturally occurring enzymes, proteins, and peptides are chosen as proteinaceous suds stabilizers. Without wishing to be limited by theory, the unique secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structure of said naturally occurring polypeptides may permit their use even though the amount of protonatable amino acids within the pH range of from about 7 to about 11.5 is outside the range of from about 10% to about 40% by weight. For example an enzyme having an isoelectric point in the range of from about 7 to about 11.5 which only comprises 5% by weight amino acids having R units which are protonated at a pH of from about 7 to about 11.5 may suitably serve as an effective proteinaceous suds stabilizer according to the present invention.

Another class of suitable polyamino acid compound is the synthetic peptide having a molecular weight of at least about 1500 daltons and further comprising from about 10% to about 40% by weight of amino acids capable of being protonated at a pH of form about 7 to about 11.5. In addition, said polyamino acid peptides must have an isoelectric point of form 7 to about 11.5, preferably from about 8.5 to about 11.5, more preferably form about 9.5 to about 11. An example of a polyamino acid synthetic peptide suitable for use as a proteinaceous suds stabilizer according to the present invention is the copolymer of the amino acids lysine, alanine, glutamic acid, and tyrosine having an average molecular weight of 52,000 daltons and a ratio of lys:ala:glu:tyr of approximately 5:6:2:1.

Without wishing to be limited by theory, the presence of one or more cationic amino acids, for example, histidine, ornithine, lysine and the like, is required to insure increased suds stabilization and suds volume. However, the relative amount of cationic amino acid present, as well as the resulting isoelectric point of the polyamino acid, are key to the effectiveness of the resulting material. For example, poly L-lysine having a molecular weight of approximately 18,000 daltons comprises 100% amino acids which have the capacity to possess a positive charge in the pH range of from about 7 to about 11.5, with the result that this material is ineffective as a suds extender and as a greasy soil removing agent.

2. Peptide Copolymers

Another class of materials suitable for use as proteinaceous suds stabilizers according to the present invention are peptide copolymers. For the purposes of the present invention “peptide copolymers” are defined as “polymeric materials with a molecular weight greater than or equal to about 1500 daltons having an isoelectric point of from about 7 to about 11.5 wherein at least about 10% by weight of said polymeric material comprises one or more amino acids”.

Peptide copolymers suitable for use as proteinaceous suds stabilizers may include segments of polyethylene oxide which are linked to segments of peptide or polypeptide to form a material which has increased suds retention as well as formulatability.

Nonlimiting examples of amino acid copolymer classes include the following.

A. Polyalkyleneimine Copolymers.

Polyalkyleneimine copolymers comprise random segments of polyalkyleneimine, preferably polyethyleneimine, together with segments of amino acid residues. For example, tetraethylenepentamine is reacted together with polyglutamic acid and polyalanine to form a copolymer having the formula:

wherein m is equal to 3, n is equal to 0, i is equal to 3, j is equal to 5, x is equal to 3, y is equal to 4, and z is equal to 7.

However, the formulator may substitute other polyamines for polyalkyleneimines, for example, polyvinyl amines, or other suitable polyamine which provides for a source of cationic charge at a pH of from 7 to abut 11.5 and which results in a copolymer having an isoelectric point of from about 7 to about 11.5.

The formulator may combine non-amine polymers with protonatable as well as non-protonatable amino acids. For example, a carboxylate-containing homo-polymer may be reacted with one or more amino acids, for example, histidine and glycine, to form an amino acid containing amido copolymer having the formula:

wherein said copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 1500 daltons and a ratio of x:y:z of approximately 2:3:6.

The detergent compositions according to the second aspect of the present invention comprise at least an effective amount of one or more proteinaceous suds stabilizers described herein, preferably from about 0.3% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.4% to about 4%, most preferably from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight, of said composition. What is meant herein by “an effective amount of proteinaceous suds stabilizer” is that the suds produced by the presently described compositions are sustained for an increased amount of time relative to a composition which does not comprise a proteinaceous suds stabilizer described herein.

These and other suitable polymeric suds stabilizers and methods for preparing them, can be found in PCT/US98/24707 filed Nov. 20, 1998.

(iii) Zwitterionic Polymeric Suds Stabilizers

The zwitterionic polymeric suds stabilizers of the present invention comprise monomeric units which have at least one moiety capable of sustaining a negative charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12 and at least one moiety capable of sustaining a positive charge within the same pH range. The zwitterionic polymers may be homopolymers or copolymers, each of which may be suitably crosslinked.

The polymeric suds stabilizers of the present invention are zwitterionic polymers. For the purposes of the present invention the term “zwitterionic polymer” is defined as “a polymeric material comprised of one or more monomers wherein each monomer has one or more moieties capable of sustaining a positive or negative charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12 such that the number of positively charged moieties is equal to the number of negatively charged moieties at the isoelectric point of said polymer.”

The polymeric suds stabilizers of the present invention are homopolymers or copolymers wherein the monomers which comprise said homopolymers or copolymers contain a moiety capable of being protonated at a pH of from about 4 to about 12, or a moiety capable of being de-protonated at a pH of from about 4 to about 12, of a mixture of both types of moieties.

A preferred class of zwitterionic polymer suitable for use as a suds volume and suds duration enhancer has the formula:

wherein R is C₁-C₁₂ linear alkylene, C₁-C₁₂ branched alkylene, and mixtures thereof; preferably C₁-C₄ linear alkylene, C₃-C₄ branched alkylene; more preferably methylene and 1,2-propylene. R¹ and R² are defined herein after. The index x is from 0 to 6; y is 0 or 1; z is 0 or 1.

The index n has the value such that the zwitterionic polymers of the present invention have an average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000 preferably from about 5,000 to about 1,000,000, more preferably from about 10,000 to about 750,000, more preferably from about 20,000 to about 500,000, even more preferably from about 35,000 to about 300,000 daltons. The molecular weight of the polymeric suds boosters, can be determined via conventional gel permeation chromatography.

Anionic Units

R¹ is a unit capable of having a negative charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12. Preferred R¹ has the formula: —(L)_(i)—(S)_(j)—R³ wherein L is a linking unit independently selected from the following:

and mixtures thereof, wherein R′ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, and mixtures thereof; preferably hydrogen or alternatively R′ and S can form a heterocycle of 4 to 7 carbon atoms, optionally containing other hetero atoms and optionally substituted. Preferably the linking group L can be introduced into the molecule as part of the original monomer backbone, for example, a polymer having L units of the formula:

can suitably have this moiety introduced into the polymer via a carboxylate containing monomer, for example, a monomer having the general formula:

When the index i is 0, L is absent,

For anionic units S is a “spacing unit” wherein each S unit is independently selected from C₁-C₁₂ linear alkylene, C₁-C₁₂ branched alkylene, C₃-C₁₂ linear alkenylene, C₃-C₁₂ branched alkenylene, C₃-C₁₂ hydroxyalkylene, C₄-C₁₂ dihydroxyalkylene, C₆-C₁₀ arylene, C₈-C₁₂ dialkylarylene, —(R⁵O)_(k)R⁵—, —(R⁵O)_(k)R⁶(OR⁵)_(k)—, —CH₂CH(OR⁷)CH₂—, and mixtures thereof; wherein R⁵ is C₂-C₄ linear alkylene, C₃-C₄ branched alkylene, and mixtures thereof, preferably ethylene, 1,2-propylene, and mixtures thereof, more preferably ethylene; R⁶ is C₂-C₁₂ linear alkylene, and mixtures thereof, preferably ethylene; R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen. The index k is from 1 to about 20.

Preferably S is C₁-C₁₂ linear alkylene, —(R⁵O)_(k)R⁵—, and mixtures thereof. When S is a —(R⁵O)_(k)R⁵—unit, said units may be suitably formed by the addition an alkyleneoxy producing reactant (e.g. ethylene oxide, epichlorohydrin) or by addition of a suitable polyethyleneglycol. More preferably S is C₂-C₄ linear alkylene. When the index j is 0 the S unit is absent.

R³ is independently selected from hydrogen, —CO₂M, —SO₃M, —OSO₃M, —CH₂P(O)(OM)₂, —OP(O)(OM)₂, units having the formula: —CR⁸R⁹R¹⁰ wherein each R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —(CH₂)_(m)R¹¹, and mixtures thereof, wherein R¹¹ is —CO₂H, —SO₃M, —OSO₃M, —CH(CO₂H)CH₂CO₂H, —CH₂P(O)(OH)₂, —OP(O)(OH)₂, and mixtures thereof, preferably —CO₂H, —CH(CO₂H)CH₂CO₂H, and mixtures thereof, more preferably —CO₂H; provided that one R⁸, R⁹, or R¹⁰ is not a hydrogen atom, preferably two R⁸, R⁹, or R¹⁰ units are hydrogen. M is hydrogen or a salt forming cation, preferably hydrogen. The index m has the value from 0 to 10.

Cationic Units

R² is a unit capable of having a positive charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12. Preferred R² has the formula: —(L¹)_(i′)—(S)_(j′)—R⁴ wherein L¹ is a linking unit independently selected from the following:

and mixtures thereof; wherein R′ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, and mixtures thereof; preferably hydrogen or alternatively R′ and S can form a heterocycle of 4 to 7 carbon atoms, optionally containing other hetero atoms and optionally substituted. Preferably L¹ has the formula:

When the index i′ is equal to 0, L¹ is absent.

For cationic units S is a “spacing unit” wherein each S unit is independently selected from C₁-C₁₂ linear alkylene, C₁-C₁₂ branched alkylene, C₃-C₁₂ linear alkenylene, C₃-C₁₂ branched alkenylene, C₃-C₁₂ hydroxyalkylene, C₄-C₁₂ dihydroxyalkylene, C₆-C₁₀ arylene, C₈-C₁₂ dialkylarylene, —(R⁵O)_(k)R⁵—, —(R⁵O)_(k)R⁶(OR⁵)_(k)—, —CH₂CH(OR⁷)CH₂—, and mixtures thereof; wherein R⁵ is C₂-C₄ linear alkylene, C₃-C₄ branched alkylene, and mixtures thereof, preferably ethylene, 1,2-propylene, and mixtures thereof, more preferably ethylene; R⁶ is C₂-C₁₂ linear alkylene, and mixtures thereof, preferably ethylene; R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen. The index k is from 1 to about 20.

Preferably S is C₁-C₁₂ linear alkylene, and mixtures thereof. Preferably S is C₂-C₄ linear alkylene. When the index j′ is 0 the S unit is absent.

R⁴ is independently selected from amino, alkylamino carboxamide, 3-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolinyl, 4-imidazolinyl, 2-piperidinyl, 3-piperidinyl, 4-piperidinyl, 1-pyrazolyl, 3-pyrazoyl, 4-pyrazoyl, 5-pyrazoyl, 1-pyrazolinyl, 3-pyrazolinyl, 4-pyrazolinyl, 5-pyrazolinyl, 2-pyridinyl, 3-pyridinyl, 4-pyridinyl, piperazinyl, 2-pyrrolidinyl, 3-pyrrolidinyl, guanidino, amidino, and mixtures thereof, preferably dialkylamino having the formula: —N(R¹¹)₂ wherein each R¹¹ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen or methyl or alternatively the two R¹¹ can form a heterocycle of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, optionally containing other hetero atoms and optionally substituted.

An example of a preferred zwitterionic polymer according to the present invention has the formula:

wherein X is C₆, n has a value such that the average molecular weight is from about 5,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons.

Further preferred zwitterionic polymers according to the present invention are polymers comprising monomers wherein each monomer has only cationic units or anionic units, said polymers have the formula:

wherein R, R¹, x, y, and z are the same as defined herein above; n¹+n²=n such that n has a value wherein the resulting zwitterionic polymer has a molecular weight of form about 5,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons.

An example of a polymer having monomers with only an anionic unit or a cationic unit has the formula:

wherein the sum of n¹ and n² provide a polymer with an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 750,000 daltons.

Another preferred zwitterionic polymer according to the present invention are polymers which have limited crosslinking, said polymers having the formula:

wherein R, R¹, L¹, S, j′, x, y, and z are the same as defined herein above; n′ is equal to n″, and the value n′+n″ is less than or equal to 5% of the value of n¹+n²=n; n provides a polymer with an average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000 daltons. R¹² is nitrogen, C₁-C₁₂ linear alkylene amino alkylene having the formula: —R¹³—N—R¹³— L¹, and mixtures thereof, wherein each R¹³ is independently L¹ or ethylene.

The zwitterionic polymers of the present invention may comprise any combination of monomer units, for example, several different monomers having various R¹ and R² groups can be combined to form a suitable suds stabilizer. Alternatively the same R¹ unit may be used with a selection of different R² units and vice versa.

The detergent compositions according to the third aspect of the present invention comprise at least an effective amount of one or more zwitterionic polymeric suds stabilizers described herein, preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 5%, most preferably from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, of said composition. What is meant herein by “an effective amount of zwitterionic polymeric suds stabilizer” is that the suds produced by the presently described compositions are sustained for an increased amount of time relative to a composition which does not comprise a zwitterionic polymeric suds stabilizer described herein. Additionally, the polymeric suds stabilizer can be present as the free base or as a salt. Typical counter ions include, citrate, maleate, sulfate, chloride, etc.

These and other suitable polymeric suds stabilizers and methods of preparing them, can be found in PCT/US98/24699 filed Nov. 20, 1998.

(iv) Polymers Comprising Units Capable of Having a Cationic Charge

The fourth aspect of the present invention relates to polymeric materials which provide enhanced suds duration and enhanced suds volume when formulated into detergent compositions. The polymeric material may comprise any material provided the final polymers have an average cationic charge density of from about 0.0005 to about 0.05 units per 100 daltons molecular weight at a pH of from about 4 to about 12. Preferably the average cationic charge density is from about 0.005 to about 0.03 unit per 100 daltons molecular weight.

It is preferred that the polymeric suds stabilizer (a) further comprises:

-   -   ii) units capable of having an anionic charge at a pH of from         about 4 to about 12;     -   iii) units capable of having an anionic charge and a cationic         charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12;     -   iv) units having no charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12;         and     -   v) mixtures of units (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv).

The polymeric suds stabilizers of the according to the fourth aspect of the present invention are polymers which contain units capable of having a cationic charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12, provided that the suds stabilizer has an average cationic charge density from about 0.0005 to about 0.05 units per 100 daltons molecular weight at a pH of from about 4 to about 12. Additionally, the polymeric suds stabilizer can be present as the free base or as a salt. Typical counter ions include, citrate, maleate, sulfate, chloride, etc.

For the purposes of the present invention the term “cationic unit” is defined as “a moiety which when incorporated into the structure of the suds stabilizers of the present invention, is capable of maintaining a cationic charge within the pH range of from about 4 to about 12. The cationic unit is not required to be protonated at every pH value within the range of about 4 to about 12.” Non-limiting examples of units which comprise a cationic moiety include lysine, ornithine, the monomeric unit having the formula:

the monomeric unit having the formula:

the monomeric unit having the formula:

the monomeric unit having the formula:

and the monomeric unit having the formula:

the latter of which also comprises a moiety capable of having an anionic charge at a pH of about 4 to about 12.

For the purposes of the present invention the term “anionic unit” is defined as “a moiety which when incorporated into the structure of the suds stabilizers of the present invention, is capable of maintaining an anionic charge within the pH range of from about 4 to about 12. The anionic unit is not required to be de-protonated at every pH value within the range of about 4 to about 12.” Non-limiting examples of units which comprise a anionic moiety include, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, the monomeric unit having the formula:

and the monomeric unit having the formula:

the latter of which also comprises a moiety capable of having a cationic charge at a pH of about 4 to about 12. This latter unit is defined herein as “a unit capable of having an anionic and a cationic charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12.”

For the purposes of the present invention the term “non-charged unit” is defined as “a moiety which when incorporated into the structure of the suds stabilizers of the present invention, has no charge within the pH range of from about 4 to about 12.” Non-limiting examples of units which are “non-charged units” are styrene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, 1,2-phenylene, esters, amides, ketones, ethers, and the like.

The units which comprise the polymers of the present invention may, as single units or monomers, have any pK_(a) value.

The following are non-limiting examples of suitable polymeric materials according to the present invention. The following examples are presented in “classes”, however, the formulator may combine any suitable monomers or units to form a polymeric suds stabilizer, for example, amino acids may be combined with polyacrylate units.

The polymeric suds stabilizers according to the fourth aspect of the present invention also include polymers comprising at least one monomeric unit of the formula:

wherein each of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L, Z, z, and A are hereinbefore defined. Furthermore, suitable polymers include copolymers of

wherein R¹ L and B are as hereinbefore defined, and copolymers of

wherein R¹, R¹², R¹³ Z and z are as hereinbefore defined,

The suds stabilizers according to the fourth aspect of the present invention can be proteinaceous suds stabilizers, as herein before described, including peptides, polypeptides, amino acid containing copolymers, terpolymers etc., and mixtures thereof. Any suitable amino acid can be used to form the backbone of the peptides, polypeptides, or amino acid, wherein the polymers have an average cationic charge density from about 0.0005 to about 0.05 units per 100 daltons molecular weight at a pH of from about 4 to about 12.

In general, the amino acids suitable for use in forming the proteinaceous suds stabilizers of the present invention have the formula:

wherein R, R¹, R², x and y and are as hereinbefore defined.

The polymeric suds stabilizers of the fourth aspect of the present invention present invention may be homopolymers or copolymers wherein the monomers which comprise said homopolymers or copolymers contain a moiety capable of being protonated at a pH of from about 4 to about 12, or a moiety capable of being de-protonated at a pH of from about 4 to about 12, of a mixture of both types of moieties. These suitable zwitterionic polymers are hereinbefore defined.

A Preferred class of suitable for use as a suds volume and suds duration enhancer has the formula:

wherein R, R¹, R², x, y, z, and n are hereinbefore defined. Furthermore, other suitable anionic, cationic and, zwitterionic monomers are also herein before described.

These and other suitable polymeric suds stabilizers and methods of preparing them, can be found in PCT/US98/24852 filed Nov. 20, 1998.

Cationic Charge Density

For the purposes of the fourth aspect of the present invention the term “cationic charge density” is defined as “the number of units that are protonated at a specific pH per 100 daltons mass of polymer.”

For illustrative purposes only, a polypeptide comprising 10 units of the amino acid lysine has a molecular weight of approximately 1028 daltons, wherein there are 11 —NH₂ units. If at a specific pH within the range of from about 4 to about 12, 2 of the —NH₂ units are protonated in the form of —NH₃ ⁺, then the cationic charge density is 2 cationic charge units÷by 1028 daltons molecular weight=approximately 0.002 units of cationic charge per 100 daltons. This would, therefore, have sufficient cationic charge to suffice the cationic charge density of the present invention, but insufficient molecular weight to be a suitable suds enhancer.

Polymers have been shown to be effective for delivering sudsing benefits provided the polymer contains a cationic moiety, either permanent via a quaternary nitrogen or temporary via protonation. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the cationic charge must be sufficient to attract the polymer to negatively charged soils but not so large as to cause negative interactions with available anionic surfactants. Herewithin the term cationic charge density is defined as the amount of cationic charge on a given polymer, either by permanent cationic groups or via protonated groups, as a weight percent of the total polymer at the desired wash pH. For example, with poly(-DMAM), we have experimentally determined the pKa, see hereinafter as to how pKa is measured, of this polymer to be 7.0. Thus, if the wash pH is 7.0, then half of the available nitrogens will be protonated (and count as cationic) and the other half will not be protonated (and not be counted in the “cationic charge density”). Thus, since the Nitrogen has a molecular weight of approximately 14 grams/mole, and the DMAM monomer has a molecular weight of approximately 157 grams/mole, the can be calculated: Cationic Charge Density=(14/157)*50%=0.0446 or 4.46%. Thus, 4.46% of the polymer contains cationic charges. As another example, one could make a copolymer of DMAM with DMA, where the ratio of monomers is 1 mole of DMAM for 3 moles of DMA. The DMA monomer has a molecular weight of 99 grams/mole. In this case the pKa has been measured to be 7.6. Thus, if the wash pH is 5.0, all of the available nitrogens will be protonated. The cationic charge density is then calculated: Cationic Charge Density=14/(157+99+99+99)*100%=0.0103, or 1.03%. Notice that in this example, the minimum repeating unit is considered 1 DMAM monomer plus 3 DMA monomers.

A key aspect of this calculation is the pKa measurement for any protonatable species which will result in a cationic charge on the heteroatom. Since the pKa is dependent on the polymer structure and various monomers present, this must be measure to determine the percentage of protonatable sites to count as a function of the desired wash pH. This is an easy exercise for one skilled in the art.

Based on this calculation, the percent of cationic charge is independent of polymer molecular weight.

The pKa of a polymeric suds booster is determined in the following manner. Make at least 50 mls of a 5% polymer solution, such as a polymer prepared according to any of Examples 1 to 5 as described hereinafter, in ultra pure water(i.e. no added salt). At 25° C., take initial pH of the 5% polymer solution with a pH meter and record when a steady reading is achieved. Maintain temperature throughout the test at 25° C. with a water bath and stir continuously. Raise pH of 50 mls of the aqueous polymer solution to 12 using NaOH (1N, 12.5M). Titrate 5 mls of 0.1N HCl into the polymer solution. Record pH when steady reading is achieved. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until pH is below 3. The pKa was determined from a plot of pH vs. volume of titrant using the standard procedure as disclosed in Quantitative Chemical Analysis, Daniel C. Harris, W.H. Freeman & Chapman, San Francisco, USA 1982.

The detergent compositions according to the fourth aspect of the present invention comprise at least an effective amount of one or more polymeric suds stabilizers described herein, preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 5%, most preferably from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, of said composition. What is meant herein by “an effective amount of polymeric suds stabilizer” is that the suds produced by the presently described compositions are sustained for an increased amount of time relative to a composition which does not comprise a polymeric suds stabilizer described herein.

Carriers and Other Adjunct Ingredients

The carrier and other adjuncts ingredients are those addatives which are conventionally added to detergent compositions. Typicall the is adjuncts ingredients may be selected from the group consisting of: soil release polymers, polymeric dispersants, polysaccharides, abrasives, bactericides, tarnish inhibitors, builders, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, opacifiers, dyes, perfumes, thickeners, antioxidants, processing aids, suds boosters, buffers, antifungal or mildew control agents, insect repellants, anti-corrosive aids, bleach, aqueous liquid carrier, bleach catalysts, bleach activators, solvent, fabric softeners, hydrotrope, pH adjusting material dye transfer inhibitors, optical bleach, brightener, suds supressors, electrolytes, and chelants.

Surfactants—Suitable detersive surfactants are extensively illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678, Dec. 30, 1975 Laughlin, et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,217, Mar. 31, 1981, Murphy; in the series “Surfactant Science”, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York and Basel; in “Handbook of Surfactants”, M. R. Porter, Chapman and Hall, 2nd Ed., 1994; in “Surfactants in Consumer Products”, Ed. J. Falbe, Springer-Verlag, 1987; and in numerous detergent-related patents assigned to Procter & Gamble and other detergent and consumer product manufacturers.

The detersive surfactant herein includes anionic, nonionic, cationic, zwitterionic or amphoteric types of surfactant known for use as cleaning agents, but does not include completely foam-free or completely insoluble surfactants (though these may be used as optional adjuncts).

The composition will preferably contain at least about 0.01%, more preferably at least about 0.1%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.2%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.5% by weight of said composition of surfactant. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 90%, more preferably no more than about 70%, even more preferably, no more than about 60%, even more preferably, no more than about 35% by weight of said composition of surfactant.

Some preferred among the above-identified detersive surfactants are: C₉-C₂₀ linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, particularly sodium linear secondary alkyl C₁₀-C₁₅ benzenesulfonates though in some regions ABS may be used; olefinsulfonate salts, that is, material made by reacting olefins, particularly C₁₀-C₂₀ α-olefins, with sulfur trioxide and then neutralizing and hydrolyzing the reaction product; sodium and ammonium C₇-C₁₂ dialkyl sulfosuccinates; alkane monosulfonates, such as those derived by reacting C₈-C₂₀ α-olefins with sodium bisulfite and those derived by reacting paraffins with SO₂ and Cl₂ and then hydrolyzing with a base to form a random sulfonate; α-Sulfo fatty acid salts or esters; sodium alkylglycerylsulfonates, especially those ethers of the higher alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil and synthetic alcohols derived from petroleum; alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, which may be primary or secondary, saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched. Such compounds when branched can be random or regular. When secondary, they preferably have formula CH₃(CH₂)_(X)(CHOSO₃ ⁻M⁺) CH₃ or CH₃(CH₂)_(y)(CHOSO₃ ⁻M⁺) CH₂CH₃ where x and (y+1) are integers of at least 7, preferably at least 9 and M is a water-soluble cation, preferably sodium. When unsaturated, sulfates such as oleyl sulfate are preferred, while the sodium and ammonium alkyl sulfates, especially those produced by sulfating C₈-C₁₈ alcohols, produced for example from tallow or coconut oil are also useful; also preferred are the alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, especially the ethoxy sulphates having about 0.5 moles or higher of ethoxylation, preferably from 0.5-8; the alkylethercarboxylates, especially the EO 1-5 ethoxycarboxylates; soaps or fatty acids, preferably the more water-soluble types; aminoacid-type surfactants, such as sarcosinates, especially oleyl sarcosinate; phosphate esters; alkyl or alkylphenol ethoxylates, propoxylates and butoxylates, especially the ethoxylates “AE”, including the so-called narrow peaked alkyl ethoxylates and C₆-C₁₂ alkyl phenol alkoxylates as well as the products of aliphatic primary or secondary linear or branched C₈-C₁₈ alcohols with ethylene oxide, generally 2-30 EO; N-alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amides especially the C₁₂-C₁₈ N-methylglucamides, see WO 9206154, and N-alkoxy polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as C₁₀-C₁₈ N-(3-methoxypropyl) glucamide while N-propyl through N-hexyl C₁₂-C₁₈ glucamides can be used for low sudsing; alkyl polyglycosides; amine oxides, preferably alkyldimethylamine N-oxides and their dihydrates; sulfobetaines or “sultaines”; betaines; and gemini surfactants.

Cationic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include those having a long-chain hydrocarbyl group. Examples of such cationic co-surfactants include the ammonium co-surfactants such as alkyldimethylammonium halogenides, and those co-surfactants having the formula: [R²(OR³)_(y)][R⁴(OR³)_(y)]₂R⁵N⁺X⁻ wherein R² is an alkyl or alkyl benzyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, each R³ is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH(CH₃)—, —CH₂CH(CH₂OH)—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and mixtures thereof; each R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl, benzyl ring structures formed by joining the two R⁴ groups, —CH₂CHOH—CHOHCOR⁶CHOHCH₂OH wherein R⁶ is any hexose or hexose polymer having a molecular weight less than about 1000, and hydrogen when y is not 0; R⁵ is the same as R⁴ or is an alkyl chain wherein the total number of carbon atoms of R² plus R⁵ is not more than about 18; each y is from 0 to about 10 and the sum of the y values is from 0 to about 15; and X is any compatible anion.

Examples of other suitable cationic surfactants are described in following documents, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety: M.C. Publishing Co., McCutcheon's, Detergents & Emulsifiers, (North American edition 1997); Schwartz, et al., Surface Active Agents, Their Chemistry and Technology, New York: Interscience Publishers, 1949; U.S. Pat. No. 3,155,591; U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678; U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,461 U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,090 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,044.

Examples of suitable cationic surfactants are those corresponding to the general formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selected from an aliphatic group of from 1 to about 22 carbon atoms or an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 22 carbon atoms; and X is a salt-forming anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulfate, and alkylsulfate radicals. The aliphatic groups can contain, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether linkages, and other groups such as amino groups. The longer chain aliphatic groups, e.g., those of about 12 carbons, or higher, can be saturated or unsaturated. Preferred is when R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selected from C1 to about C22 alkyl. Especially preferred are cationic materials containing two long alkyl chains and two short alkyl chains or those containing one long alkyl chain and three short alkyl chains. The long alkyl chains in the compounds described in the previous sentence have from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms, and the short alkyl chains in the compounds described in the previous sentence have from 1 to about 3 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to about 2 carbon atoms.

Suitable levels of cationic detersive surfactant herein are from about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 15%, although much higher levels, e.g., up to about 30% or more, may be useful especially in nonionic: cationic (i.e., limited or anionic-free) formulations. One possible use of cationic surfactants is as grease release agents. Cationic surfactants can be on their own or in combination with solvents and/or solublizing agents. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,089.

Another type of useful surfactants are the so-called dianionics. These are surfactants which have at least two anionic groups present on the surfactant molecule. Some suitable dianionic surfactants are further described in copending U.S. Ser. Nos. 60/020,503, 60/020,772, 60/020,928, 60/020,832 and 60/020,773 all filed on Jun. 28, 1996, and 60/023,539, 60/023,493, 60/023,540 and 60/023,527 filed on Aug. 8, 1996, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally and preferably, the surfactant may be a midchain branched alkyl sulfate, midchain branched alkyl alkoxylate, or midchain branched alkyl alkoxylate sulfate. These surfactants are further described in Ser. No. 60/061,971, Oct. 14, 1997, Ser. No. 60/061,975, Oct. 14, 1997, Ser. No. 60/062,086, Oct. 14, 1997, Ser. No. 60/061,916, Oct. 14, 1997, Ser. No. 60/061,970, Oct. 14, 1997, Ser. No. 60/062,407, Oct. 14, 1997. Other suitable mid-chain branched surfactants can be found in U.S. Patent applications Ser. Nos. 60/032,035, 60/031,845, 60/031,916, 60/031,917, 60/031,761, 60/031,762 and 60/031,844. Mixtures of these branched surfactants with conventional linear surfactants are also suitable for use in the present compositions.

Another prefered anionic surfactant are the so-called modified alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactants, or MLAS. Some suitable MLAS surfactants, methods of making them and exempliary compositions are further described in copending U.S. Patent applications Ser. Nos. 60/053,319, 60/053,318, 60/053,321, 60/053,209, 60/053,328, 60/053,186, 60/055,437, 60/105,017, and 60/104,962.

Suitable levels of anionic detersive surfactants herein are in the range from about 1% to about 50% or higher, preferably from about 2% to about 30%, more preferably still, from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the detergent composition.

Suitable levels of nonionic detersive surfactant herein are from about 1% to about 40%, preferably from about 2% to about 30%, more preferably from about 5% to about 20%.

Suitable levels of cationic detersive surfactant herein are from about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 15%, although much higher levels, e.g., up to about 30% or more, may be useful especially in nonionic: cationic (i.e., limited or anionic-free) formulations.

Amphoteric or zwitterionic detersive surfactants when present are usually useful at levels in the range from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the detergent composition. Often levels will be limited to about 5% or less, especially when the amphoteric is costly.

The anionic surfactants useful in the present invention are preferably selected from the group consisting of, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, alpha olefin sulfonate, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl ester sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl alkoxy sulfate, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl alkoxy carboxylate, alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, sarcosinates, taurinates, and mixtures thereof.

When present, anionic surfactant will be present typically in an effective amount. More preferably, the composition may contain at least about 0.5%, more preferably at least about 5%, even more preferably still, at least about 10% by weight of said composition of anionic surfactant. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 90%, more preferably no more than about 50%, even more preferably, no more than about 30% by weight of said composition of anionic surfactant.

Alkyl sulfate surfactants are another type of anionic surfactant of importance for use herein. In addition to providing excellent overall cleaning ability when used in combination with polyhydroxy fatty acid amides (see below), including good grease/oil cleaning over a wide range of temperatures, wash concentrations, and wash times, dissolution of alkyl sulfates can be obtained, as well as improved formulability in liquid detergent formulations are water soluble salts or acids of the formula ROSO3M wherein R preferably is a C10-C24 hydrocarbyl, preferably an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl having a C10-C20 alkyl component, more preferably a C12-C18 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, and M is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali (Group IA) metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium), substituted or unsubstituted ammonium cations such as methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, e.g., tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium, and cations derived from alkanolamines such as ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof, and the like. Typically, alkyl chains of C12-16 are preferred for lower wash temperatures (e.g., below about 50° C.) and C16-18 alkyl chains are preferred for higher wash temperatures (e.g., above about 50° C.).

Alkyl alkoxylated sulfate surfactants are another category of useful anionic surfactant. These surfactants are water soluble salts or acids typically of the formula RO(A)mSO3M wherein R is an unsubstituted C10-C24 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having a C10-C24 alkyl component, preferably a C12-C20 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, more preferably C12-C18 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, A is an ethoxy or propoxy unit, m is greater than zero, typically between about 0.5 and about 6, more preferably between about 0.5 and about 3, and M is H or a cation which can be, for example, a metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium, etc.), ammonium or substituted-ammonium cation. Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates as well as alkyl propoxylated sulfates are contemplated herein. Specific examples of substituted ammonium cations include methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium, dimethyl piperidinium and cations derived from alkanolamines, e.g. monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary surfactants are C12-C18 alkyl polyethoxylate (1.0) sulfate, C12-C18 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfate, C12-C18 alkyl polyethoxylate (3.0) sulfate, and C12-C18 alkyl polyethoxylate (4.0) sulfate wherein M is conveniently selected from sodium and potassium. Surfactants for use herein can be made from natural or synthetic alcohol feedstocks. Chain lengths represent average hydrocarbon distributions, including branching. The anionic surfactant component may comprise alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates derived from conventional alcohol sources, e.g., natural alcohols, synthetic alcohols such as those sold under the trade name of NEODOL™, ALFOL™, LIAL™, LUTENSOL™ and the like. Alkyl ether sulfates are also known as alkyl polyethoxylate sulfates.

Examples of suitable anionic surfactants are given in “Surface Active Agents and Detergents” (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch). A variety of such surfactants are also generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678, issued Dec. 30, 1975 to Laughlin, et al. at Column 23, line 58 through Column 29, line 23.

One type of anionic surfactant which can be utilized encompasses alkyl ester sulfonates. These are desirable because they can be made with renewable, non-petroleum resources. Preparation of the alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant component can be effected according to known methods disclosed in the technical literature. For instance, linear esters of C8-C20 carboxylic acids can be sulfonated with gaseous SO3 according to “The Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society,” 52 (1975), pp. 323-329. Suitable starting materials would include natural fatty substances as derived from tallow, palm, and coconut oils, etc.

The preferred alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant, especially for laundry applications, comprises alkyl ester sulfonate surfactants of the structural formula:

wherein R3 is a C8-C20 hydrocarbyl, preferably an alkyl, or combination thereof, R4 is a C1-C6 hydrocarbyl, preferably an alkyl, or combination thereof, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation. Suitable salts include metal salts such as sodium, potassium, and lithium salts, and substituted or unsubstituted ammonium salts, such as methyl-, dimethyl, -trimethyl, and quaternary ammonium cations, e.g. tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium, and cations derived from alkanolamines, e.g. monoethanol-amine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine. Preferably, R3 is C10-C16 alkyl, and R4 is methyl, ethyl or isopropyl. Especially preferred are the methyl ester sulfonates wherein R3 is C14-C16 alkyl.

Other anionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes can also be included in the compositions hereof. These can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts) of soap, C9-C20 linear alkylbenzenesulphonates, C8-C22 primary or secondary alkanesulphonates, C8-C24 olefinsulphonates, sulphonated polycarboxylic acids prepared by sulphonation of the pyrolyzed product of alkaline earth metal citrates, e.g., as described in British patent specification No. 1,082,179, alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isothionates such as the acyl isothionates, N-acyl taurates, fatty acid amides of methyl tauride, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C12-C18 monoesters) diesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C6-C14 diesters), N-acyl sarcosinates, sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside (the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described below), branched primary alkyl sulfates, alkyl polyethoxy carboxylates such as those of the formula RO(CH2CH2O)kCH2COO—M+ wherein R is a C8-C22 alkyl, k is an integer from 0 to 10, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation, and fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide. Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tall oil. Further examples are given in “Surface Active Agents and Detergents” (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch). A variety of such surfactants are also generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678, issued Dec. 30, 1975 to Laughlin, et al. at Column 23, line 58 through Column 29, line 23.

Suitable nonionic detergent surfactants are generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678, Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975, at column 13, line 14 through column 16, line 6, incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary, non-limiting classes of useful nonionic surfactants include: alkyl ethoxylate, alkanoyl glucose amide, C12-C18 alkyl ethoxylates (“AE”) including the so-called narrow peaked alkyl ethoxylates and C6-C12 alkyl phenol alkoxylates (especially ethoxylates and mixed ethoxy/propoxy), and mixtures thereof.

When present, nonionic surfactant will be present typically in an effective amount. More preferably, the composition may contain at least about 0.1%, more preferably at least about 0.2%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.5% by weight of said composition of nonionic surfactant. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 20%, more preferably no more than about 15%, even more preferably, no more than about 10% by weight of said composition of nonionic surfactant.

The polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols. In general, the polyethylene oxide condensates are preferred. These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms in either a straight chain or branched chain configuration with the alkylene oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the ethylene oxide is present in an amount equal to from about 5 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol. Commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include Igepal® CO-630, marketed by the GAF Corporation; and Triton® X-45, X-114, X-100, and X-102, all marketed by the Rohm & Haas Company. These compounds are commonly referred to as alkyl phenol alkoxylates, (e.g., alkyl phenol ethoxylates).

The condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms with from about 2 to about 18 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples of commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include Tergitol® 15-S-9 (the condensation product of C11-C15 linear secondary alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), Tergitol® 24-L-6 NMW (the condensation product of C12-C14 primary alcohol with 6 moles ethylene oxide with a narrow molecular weight distribution), both marketed by Union Carbide Corporation; Neodol® 45-9 (the condensation product of C14-C15 linear alcohol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), Neodol® 23-6.5 (the condensation product of C12-C13 linear alcohol with 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide), Neodol® 45-7 (the condensation product of C14-C15 linear alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide), Neodol®45-4 (the condensation product of C14-C15 linear alcohol with 4 moles of ethylene oxide), marketed by Shell Chemical Company, and Kyro® EOB (the condensation product of C13-C15 alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company. Other commercially available nonionic surfactants include Dobanol 91-8® marketed by Shell Chemical Co. and Genapol UD-080® marketed by Hoechst. This category of nonionic surfactant is referred to generally as “alkyl ethoxylates.”

The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol. The hydrophobic portion of these compounds preferably has a molecular weight of from about 1500 to about 1800 and exhibits water insolubility. The addition of polyoxyethylene moieties to this hydrophobic portion tends to increase the water solubility of the molecule as a whole, and the liquid character of the product is retained up to the point where the polyoxyethylene content is about 50% of the total weight of the condensation product, which corresponds to condensation with up to about 40 moles of ethylene oxide. Examples of compounds of this type include certain of the commercially-available Pluronic® surfactants, marketed by BASF.

The condensation products of ethylene oxide with the product resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. The hydrophobic moiety of these products consists of the reaction product of ethylenediamine and excess propylene oxide, and generally has a molecular weight of from about 2500 to about 3000. This hydrophobic moiety is condensed with ethylene oxide to the extent that the condensation product contains from about 40% to about 80% by weight of polyoxyethylene and has a molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 11,000. Examples of this type of nonionic surfactant include certain of the commercially available Tetronic® compounds, marketed by BASF.

Examples of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block co-polymers suitable for uses herein are described in greater detail in Pancheri/Mao; U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,872; Issued Dec. 2, 1992. This patent is incorporated herein by reference.

The preferred alkylpolyglycosides have the formula R2O(CnH2nO)t(glycosyl)x wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of alky, alkyl-phenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof in which the alkyl groups contain from about 10 to about 18, preferably from about 12 to about 14, carbon atoms; n is 2 or 3, preferably 2; t is from 0 to about 10, preferably 0; and x is from about 1.3 to about 10, preferably from about 1.3 to about 3, most preferably from about 1.3 to about 2.7. The glycosyl is preferably derived from glucose. To prepare these compounds, the alcohol or alkylpolyethoxy alcohol is formed first and then reacted with glucose, or a source of glucose, to form the glucoside (attachment at the 1-position). The additional glycosyl units can then be attached between their 1-position and the preceding glycosyl units 2-, 3-, 4- and/or 6-position, preferably predominantly the 2-position.

Alkylpolysaccharides disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647, Llenado, issued Jan. 21, 1986, having a hydrophobic group containing from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group containing from about 1.3 to about 10, preferably from about 1.3 to about 3, most preferably from about 1.3 to about 2.7 saccharide units. Any reducing saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms can be used, e.g., glucose, galactose and galactosyl moieties can be substituted for the glucosyl moieties. (Optionally the hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-, 4-, etc. positions thus giving a glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or galactoside.) The intersaccharide bonds can be, e.g., between the one position of the additional saccharide units and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and/or 6-positions on the preceding saccharide units.

Optionally, and less desirably, there can be a polyalkylene-oxide chain joining the hydrophobic moiety and the polysaccharide moiety. The preferred alkyleneoxide is ethylene oxide. Typical hydrophobic groups include alkyl groups, either saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched containing from about 8 to about 18, preferably from about 10 to about 16, carbon atoms. Preferably, the alkyl group is a straight chain saturated alkyl group. The alkyl group can contain up to about 3 hydroxy groups and/or the polyalkyleneoxide chain can contain up to about 10, preferably less than 5, alkyleneoxide moieties. Suitable alkyl polysaccharides are octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyldodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, and octadecyl, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexaglucosides, galactosides, lactosides, glucoses, fructosides, fructoses and/or galactoses. Suitable mixtures include coconut alkyl, di-, tri-, tetra-, and pentaglucosides and tallow alkyl tetra-, penta-, and hexa-glucosides.

The ethoxylated glycerol type compound which may be used in the in the instant composition are manufactured by the Kao Corporation and sold under the trade name Levenol such as Levenol F-200 which has an average EO of 6 and a molar ratio of coco fatty acid to glycerol of 0.55 or Levenol V501/2 which has an average EO of 17 and a molar ratio of tallow fatty acid to glycerol of 1.0. It is preferred that the molar ratio of the fatty acid to glycerol is less than 1.7, more preferably less than 1.5 and most preferably less than 1.0. The ethoxylated glycerol type compound has a molecular weight of 400 to 1600, and a pH (50 grams/liter of water) of 5-7. The Levenol compounds are substantially non irritant to human skin and have a primary biodegradabillity higher than 90% as measured by the Wickbold method Bias-7d. Two examples of the Levenol compounds are Levenol V-501/2 which has 17 ethoxylated groups and is derived from tallow fatty acid with a fatty acid to glycerol ratio of 1.0 and a molecular weight of 1465 and Levenol F-200 has 6 ethoxylated groups and is derived from coco fatty acid with a fatty acid to glycerol ratio of 0.55. Both Levenol F-200 and Levenol V-501/2 are composed of a mixture of Formula (I) and Formula (II). The Levenol compounds has ecoxicity values of algae growth inhibition>100 mg/liter; acute toxicity for Daphniae>100 mg/liter and acute fish toxicity>100 mg/liter. The Levenol compounds have a ready biodegradability higher than 60% which is the minimum required value according to OECD 301B measurement to be acceptably biodegradable. Polyesterified nonionic compounds also useful in the instant compositions are Crovol PK-40 and Crovol PK-70 manufactured by Croda GMBH of the Netherlands. Crovol PK40 is a polyoxyethylene (12) Palm Kernel Glyceride which has 12 EO groups. Crovol PK-70 which is preferred is a polyoxyethylene (45) Palm Kernel Glyceride have 45 EO groups. More information on these nonionic surfactants can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,114.

Another type of suitable nonionic surfactant comprises the polyhydroxy fatty acid amides. These materials are more fully described in Pan/Gosselink; U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,528; Issued Jul. 26, 1994, which is incorporated herein by reference. These polyhydroxy fatty acid amides have a general structure of the formula:

wherein: R1 is H, C1-C4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl, or a mixture thereof, preferably C1-C4 alkyl, more preferably C1 or C2 alkyl, most preferably C1 alkyl (i.e., methyl); and R2 is a C5-C31 hydrocarbyl, preferably straight chain C7-C19 alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight chain C9-C17 alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably straight chain C11-C15 alkyl or alkenyl, or mixtures thereof; and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative (preferably ethoxylated or propoxylated) thereof. Z preferably will be derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction; more preferably Z will be a glycityl. Suitable reducing sugars include glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, galactose, mannose, and xylose. As raw materials, high dextrose corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and high maltose corn syrup can be utilized as well as the individual sugars listed above. These corn syrups may yield a mix of sugar components for Z. It should be understood that it is by no means intended to exclude other suitable raw materials. Z preferably will be selected from the group consisting of —CH2—(CHOH)n—CH2OH, —CH(CH2OH)—(CHOH)n-1-CH₂OH, —CH2—(CHOH)2(CHOR′)(CHOH)—CH2OH, and alkoxylated derivatives thereof, where n is an integer from 3 to 5, inclusive, and R′ is H or a cyclic or aliphatic monosaccharide. Most preferred are glycityls wherein n is 4, particularly —CH2—(CHOH)4—CH2OH.

R′ can be, for example, N-methyl, N-ethyl, N-propyl, N-isopropyl, N-butyl, N-2-hydroxy ethyl, or N-2-hydroxy propyl.

R2—CO—N<can be, for example, cocamide, stearamide, oleamide, lauramide, myristamide, capricamide, palmitamide, tallowamide, etc.

Z can be 1-deoxyglucityl, 2-deoxyfructityl, 1-deoxymaltityl, 1-deoxylactityl, 1-deoxygalactityl, 1-deoxymannityl, 1-deoxymaltotriotityl, etc.

Methods for making polyhydroxy fatty acid amides are known in the art. In general, they can be made by reacting an alkyl amine with a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction to form a corresponding N-alkyl polyhydroxyamine, and then reacting the N-alkyl polyhydroxyamine with a fatty aliphatic ester or triglyceride in a condensation/amidation step to form the N-alkyl, N-polyhydroxy fatty acid amide product. Processes for making compositions containing polyhydroxy fatty acid amides are disclosed, for example, in G.B. Patent Specification 809,060, published Feb. 18, 1959, by Thomas Hedley & Co., Ltd., U.S. Pat. No. 2,965,576, issued Dec. 20, 1960 to E. R. Wilson, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,703,798, Anthony M. Schwartz, issued Mar. 8, 1955, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,985,424, issued Dec. 25, 1934 to Piggott, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of such surfactants include the C10-C18 N-methyl, or N-hydroxypropyl, glucamides. The N-propyl through N-hexyl C12-C16 glucamides can be used for lower sudsing performance.

Preferred amides are C8-C20 ammonia amides, monoethanolamides, diethanolamides, and isopropanolamides.

Another suitable class of surfactants are the alkanol amide surfactants, including the ammonia, monoethanol, and diethanol amides of fatty acids having an acyl moiety containing from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms. These materials are represented by the formula:

wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, hydroxy-free aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from about 7 to 21, preferably from about 11 to 17 carbon atoms; R2 represents a methylene or ethylene group; and m is 1, 2, or 3, preferably 1. Specific examples of such amides are monoethanol amine coconut fatty acid amide and diethanolamine dodecyl fatty acid amide. These acyl moieties may be derived from naturally occurring glycerides, e.g., coconut oil, palm oil, soybean oil, and tallow, but can be derived synthetically, e.g., by the oxidation of petroleum or by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide by the Fischer-Tropsch process. The monoethanolamides and diethanolamides of C 12-14 fatty acids are preferred. Amphoteric Surfactants—Amphoteric surfactants may optionally be incorporated into the detergent compositions hereof. These surfactants can be broadly described as aliphatic derivatives of secondary or tertiary amines, or aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines in which the aliphatic radical can be straight chain or branched. One of the aliphatic substituents contains at least about 8 carbon atoms, typically from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and at least one contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 to Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975 at column 19, lines 18-35 for examples of ampholytic surfactants. Preferred amphoteric include C12-C18 betaines and sulfobetaines (“sultaines”), C10-C18 amine oxides, and mixtures thereof.

When present, amphoteric surfactant will be present typically in an effective amount. More preferably, the composition may contain at least about 0.1%, more preferably at least about 0.2%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.5% by weight of said composition of amphoteric surfactant. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 20%, more preferably no more than about 15%, even more preferably, no more than about 10% by weight of said composition of amphoteric surfactant.

Amine oxides are amphoteric surfactants and include water-soluble amine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; water-soluble phosphine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl moieties of from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms.

Preferred amine oxide surfactants have the formula

wherein R3 is an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or alkyl phenyl group or mixtures thereof containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms; R4 is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing from about 2 to about 3 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof; x is from 0 to about 3; and each R5 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms or a polyethylene oxide group containing from about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups. The R5 groups can be attached to each other, e.g., through an oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a ring structure.

These amine oxide surfactants in particular include C10-C18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and C8-C12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethyl amine oxides.

When present, amine oxide surfactant will be present typically in an effective amount. More preferably, the composition may contain at least about 0.1%, more preferably at least about 0.2%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.5% by weight of said composition of amine oxide surfactant. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 20%, more preferably no more than about 15%, even more preferably, no more than about 10% by weight of said composition of amine oxide surfactant.

Examples of suitable amine oxide surfactants are given in “Surface Active Agents and Detergents” (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

Suitable betaine surfactants include those of the general formula:

wherein R is a hydrophobic group selected from alkyl groups containing from about 10 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkyl aryl and aryl alkyl groups containing a similar number of carbon atoms with a benzene ring being treated as equivalent to about 2 carbon atoms, and similar structures interrupted by amino or ether linkages; each R1 is an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; and R2 is an alkylene group containing from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.

Examples of preferred betaines are dodecyl dimethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, dodecyl amidopropyldimethyl betaine, tetradecyldimethyl betaine, tetradecylamidopropyldimethyl betaine, and dodecyldimethylammonium hexanoate. Other suitable amidoalkylbetaines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,950,417; 4,137,191; and 4,375,421; and British Patent GB No. 2,103,236, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Zwitterionic Surfactants—Zwitterionic surfactants can also be incorporated into the detergent compositions hereof. These surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 to Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975 at column 19, line 38 through column 22, line 48 for examples of zwitterionic surfactants. Ampholytic and zwitterionic surfactants are generally used in combination with one or more anionic and/or nonionic surfactants. Detersive Enzymes—Enzymes are optionally included in the present detergent compositions for a variety of purposes, including removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains from substrates. Recent enzyme disclosures in detergents useful herein include chondriotinase (EP 747,469 A); protease variants (WO 96/28566 A; WO 96/28557 A; WO 96/28556 A; WO 96/25489 A); xylanase (EP 709,452 A); keratinase (EP 747,470 A); lipase (GB 2,297,979 A; WO 96/16153 A; WO 96/12004 A; EP 698,659 A; WO 96/16154 A); cellulase (GB 2,294,269 A; WO 96/27649 A; GB 2,303,147 A); thermitase (WO 96/28558 A). More generally, suitable enzymes include cellulases, hemicellulases, proteases, gluco-amylases, amylases, lipases, cutinases, pectinases, xylanases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, chondriotinases, thermitases, pentosanases, malanases, β-glucanases, arabinosidases or mixtures thereof of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin. Preferred selections are influenced by factors such as pH-activity and/or stability optima, thermostability, and stability to active detergents, builders and the like. In this respect bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred, such as bacterial amylases and proteases, and fungal cellulases. A preferred combination is a detergent composition having a cocktail of conventional applicable enzymes like protease, amylase, lipase, cutinase and/or cellulase. Suitable enzymes are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,677,272, 5,679,630, 5,703,027, 5,703,034, 5,705,464, 5,707,950, 5,707,951, 5,710,115, 5,710,116, 5,710,118,5,710,119 and 5,721,202.

The composition will preferably contain at least about 0.0001%, more preferably at least about 0.0005%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.001% by weight of the composition of enzyme. The cleaning composition will also preferably contain no more than about 5%, more preferably no more than about 2%, even more preferably, no more than about 1% by weight of the composition of enzyme.

“Detersive enzyme”, as used herein, means any enzyme having a cleaning, stain removing or otherwise beneficial effect in cleaning compositions. Preferred detersive enzymes are hydrolases such as proteases, amylases and lipases. Highly preferred are amylases and/or proteases, including both current commercially available types and improved types.

Enzymes are normally incorporated into detergent or detergent additive compositions at levels sufficient to provide a “cleaning-effective amount”. The term “cleaning effective amount” refers to any amount capable of producing a cleaning, stain removal, soil removal, whitening, deodorizing, or freshness improving effect on substrates such as fabrics, dishware and the like. In practical terms for current commercial preparations, typical amounts are up to about 5 mg by weight, more typically 0.01 mg to 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of the detergent composition. Stated otherwise, the compositions herein will typically comprise from 0.001% to 5%, preferably 0.01%-1% by weight of a commercial enzyme preparation. Protease enzymes are usually present in such commercial preparations at levels sufficient to provide from 0.005 to 0.1 Anson units (AU) of activity per gram of composition. For certain detergents it may be desirable to increase the active enzyme content of the commercial preparation in order to minimize the total amount of non-catalytically active materials and thereby improve spotting/filming or other end-results. Higher active levels may also be desirable in highly concentrated detergent formulations.

Proteolytic Enzyme—The proteolytic enzyme can be of animal, vegetable or microorganism (preferred) origin. The proteases for use in the detergent compositions herein include (but are not limited to) trypsin, subtilisin, chymotrypsin and elastase-type proteases. Preferred for use herein are subtilisin-type proteolytic enzymes. Particularly preferred is bacterial serine proteolytic enzyme obtained from Bacillus subtilis and/or Bacillus licheniformis.

Suitable proteolytic enzymes include Novo Industri A/S Alcalase® (preferred), Esperase®, Savinase® (Copenhagen, Denmark), Gist-brocades' Maxatase®, Maxacal® and Maxapem 15® (protein engineered Maxacal®) (Delft, Netherlands), and subtilisin BPN and BPN′(preferred), which are commercially available. Preferred proteolytic enzymes are also modified bacterial serine proteases, such as those made by Genencor International, Inc. (San Francisco, Calif.) which are described in European Patent 251,446B, granted Dec. 28, 1994 (particularly pages 17, 24 and 98) and which are also called herein “Protease B”. U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,378, Venegas, issued Jul. 9, 1991, refers to a modified bacterial serine proteolytic enzyme (Genencor International) which is called “Protease A” herein (same as BPN′). In particular see columns 2 and 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,378 for a complete description, including amino sequence, of Protease A and its variants. Other proteases are sold under the tradenames: Primase, Durazym, Opticlean and Optimase. Preferred proteolytic enzymes, then, are selected from the group consisting of Alcalase® (Novo Industri A/S), BPN′, Protease A and Protease B (Genencor), and mixtures thereof. Protease B is most preferred.

Of particular interest for use herein are the proteases described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,733.

Also proteases described in our co-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 08/136,797 can be included in the detergent composition of the invention.

Another preferred protease, referred to as “Protease D” is a carbonyl hydrolase variant having an amino acid sequence not found in nature, which is derived from a precursor carbonyl hydrolase by substituting a different amino acid for a plurality of amino acid residues at a position in said carbonyl hydrolase equivalent to position +76, preferably also in combination with one or more amino acid residue positions equivalent to those selected from the group consisting of +99, +101, +103, +104, +107, +123, +27, +105, +109, +126, +128, +135, +156, +166, +195, +197, +204, +206, +210, +216, +217, +218, +222, +260, +265, and/or +274 according to the numbering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subtilisin, as described in WO 95/10615 published Apr. 20, 1995 by Genencor International (A. Baeck et al. entitled “Protease-Containing Cleaning Compositions” having U.S. Ser. No. 08/322,676, filed Oct. 13, 1994).

Useful proteases are also described in PCT publications: WO 95/30010 published Nov. 9, 1995 by The Procter & Gamble Company; WO 95/30011 published Nov. 9, 1995 by The Procter & Gamble Company; WO 95/29979 published Nov. 9, 1995 by The Procter & Gamble Company.

Protease enzyme may be incorporated into the compositions in accordance with the invention at a level of from 0.0001% to 2% active enzyme by weight of the composition.

The composition will preferably contain at least about 0.0001%, more preferably at least about 0.0002%, more preferably at least about 0.0005%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.001% of active enzyme by weight of the composition of protease enzyme. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 2%, more preferably no more than about 0.5%, more preferably no more than about 0.1%, even more preferably, no more than about 0.05% of active enzyme by weight of the composition of protease enzyme.

Amylase—Amylases (α and/or β) can be included for removal of carbohydrate-based stains. Suitable amylases are Termamyl® (Novo Nordisk), Fungamyl® and BAN® (Novo Nordisk). The enzymes may be of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin.

The composition will preferably contain at least about 0.0001%, more preferably at least about 0.0002%, more preferably at least about 0.0005%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.001% of active enzyme by weight of the composition of amylase enzyme. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 2%, more preferably no more than about 0.5%, more preferably no more than about 0.1%, even more preferably, no more than about 0.05% of active enzyme by weight of the composition of amylase enzyme.

Amylase enzymes also include those described in WO95/26397 and in co-pending application by Novo Nordisk PCT/DK96/00056. Other specific amylase enzymes for use in the detergent compositions of the present invention therefore include:

-   (a) α-amylases characterised by having a specific activity at least     25% higher than the specific activity of Termamyl® at a temperature     range of 25° C. to 55° C. and at a pH value in the range of 8 to 10,     measured by the Phadebas® α-amylase activity assay. Such Phadebas®     α-amylase activity assay is described at pages 9-10, WO95/26397. -   (b) α-amylases according (a) comprising the amino sequence shown in     the SEQ ID listings in the above cited reference, or an α-amylase     being at least 80% homologous with the amino acid sequence shown in     the SEQ ID listing. -   (c) α-amylases according (a) obtained from an alkalophilic Bacillus     species, comprising the following amino sequence in the     N-terminal:His-His-Asn-Gly-Thr-Asn-Gly-Thr-Met-Met-Gln-Tyr-Phe-Glu-Trp-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Asn-Asp.

A polypeptide is considered to be X % homologous to the parent amylase if a comparison of the respective amino acid sequences, performed via algorithms, such as the one described by Lipman and Pearson in Science 227, 1985, p. 1435, reveals an identity of X %

-   (d) α-amylases according (a-c) wherein the α-amylase is obtainable     from an alkalophilic Bacillus species; and in particular, from any     of the strains NCIB 12289, NCIB 12512, NCIB 12513 and DSM 935. -   In the context of the present invention, the term “obtainable from”     is intended not only to indicate an amylase produced by a Bacillus     strain but also an amylase encoded by a DNA sequence isolated from     such a Bacillus strain and produced in an host organism transformed     with said DNA sequence. -   (e)α-amylase showing positive immunological cross-reactivity with     antibodies raised against an α-amylase having an amino acid sequence     corresponding respectively to those α-amylases in (a-d). -   (f) Variants of the following parent α-amylases which (i) have one     of the amino acid sequences shown in corresponding respectively to     those α-amylases in (a-e), or (ii) displays at least 80% homology     with one or more of said amino acid sequences, and/or displays     immunological cross-reactivity with an antibody raised against an     α-amylase having one of said amino acid sequences, and/or is encoded     by a DNA sequence which hybridizes with the same probe as a DNA     sequence encoding an α-amylase having one of said amino acid     sequence; in which variants:     -   1. at least one amino acid residue of said parent α-amylase has         been deleted; and/or     -   2. at least one amino acid residue of said parent α-amylase has         been replaced by a different amino acid residue; and/or     -   3. at least one amino acid residue has been inserted relative to         said parent α-amylase;     -   said variant having an α-amylase activity and exhibiting at         least one of the following properties relative to said parent         α-amylase: increased thermostability, increased stability         towards oxidation, reduced Ca ion dependency, increased         stability and/or α-amylolytic activity at neutral to relatively         high pH values, increased α-amylolytic activity at relatively         high temperature and increase or decrease of the isoelectric         point (pI) so as to better match the pI value for α-amylase         variant to the pH of the medium. Said variants are described in         the patent application PCT/DK96/00056.

Other amylases suitable herein include, for example, α-amylases described in GB 1,296,839 to Novo; RAPIDASE®, International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. and TERMAMYL®, Novo. FUNGAMYL® from Novo is especially useful. Engineering of enzymes for improved stability, e.g., oxidative stability, is known. See, for example J. Biological Chem., Vol. 260, No. 11, June 1985, pp. 6518-6521. Certain preferred embodiments of the present compositions can make use of amylases having improved stability in detergents such as automatic dishwashing types, especially improved oxidative stability as measured against a reference-point of TERMAMYL® in commercial use in 1993. These preferred amylases herein share the characteristic of being “stability-enhanced” amylases, characterized, at a minimum, by a measurable improvement in one or more of: oxidative stability, e.g., to hydrogen peroxide/tetraacetylethylenediamine in buffered solution at pH 9-10; thermal stability, e.g., at common wash temperatures such as about 60° C.; or alkaline stability, e.g., at a pH from about 8 to about 11, measured versus the above-identified reference-point amylase. Stability can be measured using any of the art-disclosed technical tests. See, for example, references disclosed in WO 9402597. Stability-enhanced amylases can be obtained from Novo or from Genencor International. One class of highly preferred amylases herein have the commonality of being derived using site-directed mutagenesis from one or more of the Bacillus amylases, especially the Bacillus α-amylases, regardless of whether one, two or multiple amylase strains are the immediate precursors. Oxidative stability-enhanced amylases vs. the above-identified reference amylase are preferred for use, especially in bleaching, more preferably oxygen bleaching, as distinct from chlorine bleaching, detergent composition herein. Such preferred amylases include (a) an amylase according to the hereinbefore incorporated WO 9402597, Novo, Feb. 3, 1994, as further illustrated by a mutant in which substitution is made, using alanine or threonine, preferably threonine, of the methionine residue located in position 197 of the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase, known as TERMAMYL®, or the homologous position variation of a similar parent amylase, such as B. amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, or B. stearothermophilus; (b) stability-enhanced amylases as described by Genencor International in a paper entitled “Oxidatively Resistant alpha-Amylases” presented at the 207th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Mar. 13-17 1994, by C. Mitchinson. Therein it was noted that bleaches in automatic dishwashing detergents inactivate alpha-amylases but that improved oxidative stability amylases have been made by Genencor from B. licheniformis NCIB8061. Methionine (Met) was identified as the most likely residue to be modified. Met was substituted, one at a time, in positions 8, 15, 197, 256, 304, 366 and 438 leading to specific mutants, particularly important being M197L and M197T with the M197T variant being the most stable expressed variant. Stability was measured in CASCADE® and SUNLIGHT®; (c) particularly preferred amylases herein include amylase variants having additional modification in the immediate parent as described in WO 9510603 A and are available from the assignee, Novo, as DURAMYL®. Other particularly preferred oxidative stability enhanced amylase include those described in WO 9418314 to Genencor International and WO 9402597 to Novo. Any other oxidative stability-enhanced amylase can be used, for example as derived by site-directed mutagenesis from known chimeric, hybrid or simple mutant parent forms of available amylases. Other preferred enzyme modifications are accessible. See WO 9509909 A to Novo.

Cellulases usable herein include both bacterial and fungal types, preferably having a pH optimum between 5 and 9.5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al, Mar. 6, 1984, discloses suitable fungal cellulases from Humicola insolens or Humicola strain DSM1800 or a cellulase 212-producing fungus belonging to the genus Aeromonas, and cellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusk, Dolabella Auricula Solander. Suitable cellulases are also disclosed in GB-A-2.075.028; GB-A-2.095.275 and DE-OS-2.247.832. CAREZYME® and CELLUZYME® (Novo) are especially useful. See also WO 91/17243 to Novo.

The composition will preferably contain at least about 0.0001%, more preferably at least about 0.0002%, more preferably at least about 0.0005%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.001% of active enzyme by weight of the composition of cellulases and/or peroxidases enzyme. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 2%, more preferably no more than about 0.5%, more preferably no more than about 0.1%, even more preferably, no more than about 0.05% of active enzyme by weight of the composition of cellulases and/or peroxidases enzyme.

Also suitable are cutinases [EC 3.1.1.50] which can be considered as a special kind of lipase, namely lipases which do not require interfacial activation. Addition of cutinases to detergent compositions have been described in e.g. WO-A-88/09367 (Genencor).

Lipase—Suitable lipase enzymes include those produced by microorganisms of the Pseudomonas group, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, as disclosed in British Patent 1,372,034. Suitable lipases include those which show a positive immunological cross-reaction with the antibody of the lipase, produced by the microorganism Pseudomonas fluorescens IAM 1057. This lipase is available from Amano Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, under the trade name Lipase P “Amano,” hereinafter referred to as “Amano-P”. Further suitable lipases are lipases such as M1 Lipase® and Lipomax® (Gist-Brocades). Other suitable commercial lipases include Amano-CES, lipases ex Chromobacter viscosum, e.g. Chromobacter viscosum var. lipolyticum NRRLB 3673 from Toyo Jozo Co., Tagata, Japan; Chromobacter viscosum lipases from U.S. Biochemical Corp., U.S.A. and Disoynth Co., The Netherlands, and lipases ex Pseudomonas gladioli. LIPOLASE® enzyme derived from Humicola lanuginosa and commercially available from Novo, see also EP 341,947, is a preferred lipase for use herein. Lipase and amylase variants stabilized against peroxidase enzymes are described in WO 9414951 A to Novo. See also WO 9205249 and RD 94359044.

Highly preferred lipases are the D96L lipolytic enzyme variant of the native lipase derived from Humicola lanuginosa as described in U.S. Ser. No. 08/341,826. (See also patent application WO 92/05249 viz. wherein the native lipase ex Humicola lanuginosa aspartic acid (D) residue at position 96 is changed to Leucine (L). According to this nomenclature said substitution of aspartic acid to Leucine in position 96 is shown as:D96L.) Preferably the Humicola lanuginosa strain DSM 4106 is used.

In spite of the large number of publications on lipase enzymes, only the lipase derived from Humicola lanuginosa and produced in Aspergillus oryzae as host has so far found widespread application as additive for washing products. It is available from Novo Nordisk under the tradename Lipolase® and Lipolase Ultra®, as noted above. In order to optimize the stain removal performance of Lipolase, Novo Nordisk have made a number of variants. As described in WO 92/05249, the D96L variant of the native Humicola lanuginosa lipase improves the lard stain removal efficiency by a factor 4.4 over the wild-type lipase (enzymes compared in an amount ranging from 0.075 to 2.5 mg protein per liter). Research Disclosure No. 35944 published on Mar. 10, 1994, by Novo Nordisk discloses that the lipase variant (D96L) may be added in an amount corresponding to 0.001-100-mg (5-500,000 LU/liter) lipase variant per liter of wash liquor.

The composition will preferably contain at least about 0.0001%, more preferably at least about 0.0002%, more preferably at least about 0.0005%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.001% of active enzyme by weight of the composition of lipase enzyme. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 2%, more preferably no more than about 0.5%, more preferably no more than about 0.1%, even more preferably, no more than about 0.05% of active enzyme by weight of the composition of lipase enzyme.

Various carbohydrase enzymes which impart antimicrobial activity may also be included in the present invention. Such enzymes include endoglycosidase, Type II endoglycosidase and glucosidase as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,041,236, 5,395,541, 5,238,843 and 5,356,803 the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. Of course, other enzymes having antimicrobial activity may be employed as well including peroxidases, oxidases and various other enzymes.

A range of enzyme materials and means for their incorporation into synthetic detergent compositions is also disclosed in WO 9307263 A and WO 9307260 A to Genencor International, WO 8908694 A to Novo, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,553,139, Jan. 5, 1971 to McCarty et al. Enzymes are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,457, Place et al, Jul. 18, 1978, and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,219, Hughes, Mar. 26, 1985. Enzyme materials useful for liquid detergent formulations, and their incorporation into such formulations, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,868, Hora et al, Apr. 14, 1981. Enzymes for use in detergents can be stabilized by various techniques. Enzyme stabilization techniques are disclosed and exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,319, Aug. 17, 1971, Gedge et al, EP 199,405 and EP 200,586, Oct. 29, 1986, Venegas. Enzyme stabilization systems are also described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,519,570. A useful Bacillus, sp. AC13 giving proteases, xylanases and cellulases, is described in WO 9401532 A to Novo.

It is also possible to include an enzyme stabilization system into the compositions of the present invention when any enzyme is present in the composition.

Enzyme Stabilizing System—The compositions herein may optionally comprise from about 0.001% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 8%, most preferably from about 0.01% to about 6%, by weight of an enzyme stabilizing system, when the composition also contains an enzyme. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the protease or other enzymes used in the compositions herein. Such stabilizing systems can comprise calcium ion, boric acid, propylene glycol, short chain carboxylic acid, boronic acid, polyhydroxyl compounds and mixtures thereof such as are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,868, Hora et al, issued Apr. 14, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,115, Tai, issued Sept. 13, 1983; U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,818, Letton et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,543, Guildert et al issued Jan. 6, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 4,462,922, Boskamp, issued Jul. 31, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,064, Boskamp, issued Jul. 30, 1985; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,707, Severson Jr., issued Aug. 27, 1985, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The composition will preferably contain at least about 0.001%, more preferably at least about 0.005%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.01% by weight of the composition of enzyme stabilizing system. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 10%, more preferably no more than about 8%, no more than about 6% of active enzyme by weight of the composition of enzyme stabilizing system.

Additionally, from 0% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 6% by weight, of chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach scavengers can be added to compositions of the present invention to prevent chlorine bleach species present in many water supplies from attacking and inactivating the enzymes, especially under alkaline conditions. While chlorine levels in water may be small, typically in the range from about 0.5 ppm to about 1.75 ppm, the available chlorine in the total volume of water that comes in contact with the enzyme during dishwashing is usually large; accordingly, enzyme stability in-use can be problematic.

Suitable chlorine scavenger anions are salts containing ammonium cations. These can be selected from the group consisting of reducing materials like sulfite, bisulfite, thiosulfite, thiosulfate, iodide, etc., antioxidants like carbonate, ascorbate, etc., organic amines such as ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) or alkali metal salt thereof and monoethanolamine (MEA), and mixtures thereof. Other conventional scavenging anions like sulfate, bisulfate, carbonate, bicarbonate, percarbonate, nitrate, chloride, borate, sodium perborate tetrahydrate, sodium perborate monohydrate, percarbonate, phosphate, condensed phosphate, acetate, benzoate, citrate, formate, lactate, malate, tartrate, salicylate, etc. and mixtures thereof can also be used.

Builders—Detergent builders are optionally included in the compositions herein. In solid formulations, builders sometimes serve as absorbents for surfactants. Alternately, certain compositions can be formulated with completely water-soluble builders, whether organic or inorganic, depending on the intended use.

Suitable silicate builders include water-soluble and hydrous solid types and including those having chain-, layer-, or three-dimensional-structure as well as amorphous-solid silicates or other types, for example especially adapted for use in non-structured-liquid detergents. Preferred are alkali metal silicates, particularly those liquids and solids having a SiO₂:Na₂O ratio in the range 1.6:1 to 3.2:1, including solid hydrous 2-ratio silicates marketed by PQ Corp. under the tradename BRITESIL®, e.g., BRITESIL H2O; and layered silicates, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,839, May 12, 1987, H. P. Rieck. NaSKS-6, sometimes abbreviated “SKS-6”, is a crystalline layered aluminum-free δ-Na₂SiO₅ morphology silicate marketed by Hoechst and is preferred especially in granular compositions. See preparative methods in German DE-A-3,417,649 and DE-A-3,742,043. Other layered silicates, such as those having the general formula NaMSi_(x)O_(2x+1).yH₂O wherein M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4, preferably 2, and y is a number from 0 to 20, preferably 0, can also or alternately be used herein. Layered silicates from Hoechst also include NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7 and NaSKS-11, as the α, β and γ layer-silicate forms. Other silicates may also be useful, such as magnesium silicate, which can serve as a crispening agent in granules, and as a component of suds control systems.

Also suitable for use herein are synthesized crystalline ion exchange materials or hydrates thereof having chain structure and a composition represented by the following general formula in an anhydride form: xM₂O.ySiO₂.zM′O wherein M is Na and/or K, M′ is Ca and/or Mg; y/x is 0.5 to 2.0 and z/x is 0.005 to 1.0 as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,711, Sakaguchi et al, Jun. 27, 1995.

Aluminosilicate builders, such as zeolites, are especially useful in granular detergents, but can also be incorporated in liquids, pastes or gels. Suitable for the present purposes are those having empirical formula: [M_(z)(AlO₂)_(z)(SiO₂)_(v)].xH₂O wherein z and v are integers of at least 6, M is an alkali metal, preferably Na and/or K, the molar ratio of z to v is in the range from 1.0 to 0.5, and x is an integer from 15 to 264. Aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous, naturally-occurring or synthetically derived. An aluminosilicate production method is in U.S. Pat. No. 3,985,669, Krummel, et al, Oct. 12, 1976. Preferred synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are available as Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), Zeolite X and, to whatever extent this differs from Zeolite P, the so-called Zeolite MAP. Natural types, including clinoptilolite, may be used. Zeolite A has the formula: Na₁₂[(AlO₂)₁₂(SiO₂)₁₂].xH₂O wherein x is from 20 to 30, especially 27. Dehydrated zeolites (x=0−10) may also be used. Preferably, the aluminosilicate has a particle size of 0.1−10 microns in diameter.

Detergent builders in place of or in addition to the silicates and aluminosilicates described hereinbefore can optionally be included in the compositions herein, for example to assist in controlling mineral, especially Ca and/or Mg, hardness in wash water or to assist in the removal of particulate soils from surfaces. Builders can operate via a variety of mechanisms including forming soluble or insoluble complexes with hardness ions, by ion exchange, and by offering a surface more favorable to the precipitation of hardness ions than are the surfaces of articles to be cleaned. Builder level can vary widely depending upon end use and physical form of the composition. Built detergents typically comprise at least about 1% builder. Liquid formulations typically comprise about 5% to about 50%, more typically 5% to 35% of builder. Granular formulations typically comprise from about 10% to about 80%, more typically 15% to 50% builder by weight of the detergent composition. Lower or higher levels of builders are not excluded. For example, certain formulations can be unbuilt, that is the compositions contain no builder such as in some hand dishwashing compositions.

Suitable builders herein can be selected from the group consisting of phosphates and polyphosphates, especially the sodium salts; carbonates, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates and carbonate minerals other than sodium carbonate or sesquicarbonate; organic mono-, di-, tri-, and tetracarboxylates especially water-soluble nonsurfactant carboxylates in acid, sodium, potassium or alkanolammonium salt form, as well as oligomeric or water-soluble low molecular weight polymer carboxylates including aliphatic and aromatic types; and phytic acid. These may be complemented by borates, e.g., for pH-buffering purposes, or by sulfates, especially sodium sulfate and any other fillers or carriers which may be important to the engineering of stable surfactant and/or builder-containing detergent compositions.

Builder mixtures, sometimes termed “builder systems” can be used and typically comprise two or more conventional builders, optionally complemented by chelants, pH-buffers or fillers, though these latter materials are generally accounted for separately when describing quantities of materials herein. In terms of relative quantities of surfactant and builder in the present detergents, preferred builder systems are typically formulated at a weight ratio of surfactant to builder of from about 60:1 to about 1:80. Certain preferred laundry detergents have said ratio in the range 0.90:1.0 to 4.0:1.0, more preferably from 0.95:1.0 to 3.0:1.0.

P-containing detergent builders often preferred where permitted by legislation include, but are not limited to, the alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of polyphosphates exemplified by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, glassy polymeric meta-phosphates; and phosphonates.

Suitable carbonate builders include alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates as disclosed in German Patent Application No. 2,321,001 published on Nov. 15, 1973, although sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, and other carbonate minerals such as trona or any convenient multiple salts of sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate such as those having the composition 2Na₂CO₃.CaCO₃ when anhydrous, and even calcium carbonates including calcite, aragonite and vaterite, especially forms having high surface areas relative to compact calcite may be useful, for example as seeds.

Suitable “organic detergent builders”, as described herein for use in the cleaning compositions include polycarboxylate compounds, including water-soluble nonsurfactant dicarboxylates and tricarboxylates. More typically builder polycarboxylates have a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates. Carboxylate builders can be formulated in acid, partially neutral, neutral or overbased form. When in salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium, and lithium, or alkanolammonium salts are preferred. Polycarboxylate builders include the ether polycarboxylates, such as oxydisuccinate, see Berg, U.S. Pat. No. 3,128,287, Apr. 7, 1964, and Lamberti et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,830, Jan. 18, 1972; “TMS/TDS” builders of U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,071, Bush et al, May 5, 1987; and other ether carboxylates including cyclic and alicyclic compounds, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,923,679; 3,835,163; 4,158,635; 4,120,874 and 4,102,903.

Other suitable organic detergent builders are the ether hydroxypolycarboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether; 1, 3, 5-trihydroxy benzene-2, 4, 6-trisulphonic acid; carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid; the various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid; as well as mellitic acid, succinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof.

Citrates, e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof are important carboxylate builders e.g., for light duty liquid detergents, due to availability from renewable resources and biodegradability. Citrates can also be used in granular compositions, especially in combination with zeolite and/or layered silicates. Oxydisuccinates are also especially useful in such compositions and combinations.

Where permitted, and especially in the formulation of bars, alkali metal phosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate and sodium orthophosphate can be used. Phosphonate builders such as ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate and other known phosphonates, e.g., those of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,159,581; 3,213,030; 3,422,021; 3,400,148 and 3,422,137 can also be used and may have desirable antiscaling properties.

Certain detersive surfactants or their short-chain homologues also have a builder action. For unambiguous formula accounting purposes, when they have surfactant capability, these materials are summed up as detersive surfactants. Preferred types for builder functionality are illustrated by: 3,3-dicarboxy-4-oxa-1,6-hexanedioates and the related compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,984, Bush, Jan. 28, 1986. Succinic acid builders include the C₅-C₂₀ alkyl and alkenyl succinic acids and salts thereof. Succinate builders also include: laurylsuccinate, myristylsuccinate, palmitylsuccinate, 2-dodecenylsuccinate (preferred), 2-pentadecenylsuccinate, and the like. Lauryl-succinates are described in European Patent Application 86200690.5/0,200,263, published November 1986. Fatty acids, e.g., C₁₂-C₁₈ monocarboxylic acids, can also be incorporated into the compositions as surfactant/builder materials alone or in combination with the aforementioned builders, especially citrate and/or the succinate builders, to provide additional builder activity. Other suitable polycarboxylates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,226, Crutchfield et al, Mar. 13, 1979 and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,067, Diehl, Mar. 7, 1967. See also Diehl, U.S. Pat. No. 3,723,322.

Other types of inorganic builder materials which can be used have the formula (M_(x))_(i)Ca_(y)(CO₃)_(z) wherein x and i are integers from 1 to 15, y is an integer from 1 to 10, z is an integer from 2 to 25, M_(i) are cations, at least one of which is a water-soluble, and the equation Σ_(i)=₁₋₁₅(x_(i) multiplied by the valence of M_(i))+2y=2z is satisfied such that the formula has a neutral or “balanced” charge. These builders are referred to herein as “Mineral Builders”, examples of these builders, their use and preparation can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,959. Another suitable class of inorganic builders are the Magnesiosilicates, see WO97/0179.

Suitable polycarboxylates builders for use herein include maleic acid, citric acid, preferably in the form of a water-soluble salt, derivatives of succinic acid of the formula R-CH(COOH)CH2(COOH) wherein R is C10-20 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C12-16, or wherein R can be substituted with hydroxyl, sulfo sulfoxyl or sulfone substituents. Mixtures of these suitable polycarboxylates builders is also envisioned, such as a mixture of maleic acid and citric acid. Specific examples include lauryl succinate, myristyl succinate, palmityl succinate 2-dodecenylsuccinate, 2-tetradecenyl succinate. Succinate builders are preferably used in the form of their water-soluble salts, including sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.

Other suitable polycarboxylates are oxodisuccinates and mixtures of tartrate monosuccinic and tartrate disuccinic acid such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,071.

Especially for the liquid execution herein, suitable fatty acid builders for use herein are saturated or unsaturated C10-18 fatty acids, as well as the corresponding soaps. Preferred saturated species have from 12 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The preferred unsaturated fatty acid is oleic acid. Other preferred builder system for liquid compositions is based on dodecenyl succinic acid and citric acid.

The composition will preferably contain at least about 0.2%, more preferably at least about 0.5%, more preferably at least about 3%, even more preferably still, at least about 5% by weight of the composition of builder. The cleaning composition will also preferably contain no more than about 50%, more preferably no more than about 40%, more preferably no more than about 30%, even more preferably, no more than about 25% by weight of the composition of builder.

Perfumes—Perfumes and perfumery ingredients useful in the present compositions comprise a wide variety of natural and synthetic chemical ingredients, including, but not limited to, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and the like. Also included are various natural extracts and essences which can comprise complex mixtures of ingredients, such as orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, patchouli, balsamic essence, sandalwood oil, pine oil, cedar, and the like. Finished perfumes can comprise extremely complex mixtures of such ingredients. Finished perfumes typically comprise from about 0.01% to about 2%, by weight, of the detergent compositions herein, and individual perfumery ingredients can comprise from about 0.0001% to about 90% of a finished perfume composition.

Non-limiting examples of perfume ingredients useful herein include: 7-acetyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,1,6,7-tetramethyl naphthalene; ionone methyl;

-   -   ionone gamma methyl; methyl cedrylone; methyl dihydrojasmonate;         methyl 1,6,10-trimethyl-2,5,9-cyclododecatrien-1-yl ketone;         7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl tetralin;         4-acetyl-6-tert-butyl-1, 1-dimethyl indane;         para-hydroxy-phenyl-butanone; benzophenone; methyl beta-naphthyl         ketone; 6-acetyl-1,1,2,3,3,5-hexamethyl indane;         5-acetyl-3-isopropyl-1,1,2,6-tetramethyl indane; 1-dodecanal,         4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde;         7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl ocatanal; 10-undecen-1-al; iso-hexenyl         cyclohexyl carboxaldehyde; formyl tricyclodecane; condensation         products of hydroxycitronellal and methyl anthranilate,         condensation products of hydroxycitronellal and indol,         condensation products of phenyl acetaldehyde and indol;         2-methyl-3-(para-tert-butylphenyl)-propionaldehyde; ethyl         vanillin; heliotropin; hexyl cinnamic aldehyde; amyl cinnamic         aldehyde; 2-methyl-2-(para-iso-propylphenyl)-propionaldehyde;         coumarin; decalactone gamma; cyclopentadecanolide;         16-hydroxy-9-hexadecenoic acid lactone;         1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyrane;         beta-naphthol methyl ether; ambroxane;         dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,1b]furan; cedrol,         5-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)-3-methylpentan-2-ol;         2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-2-buten-1-ol;         caryophyllene alcohol; tricyclodecenyl propionate;         tricyclodecenyl acetate; benzyl salicylate; cedryl acetate; and         para-(tert-butyl) cyclohexyl acetate.

Particularly preferred perfume materials are those that provide the largest odor improvements in finished product compositions containing cellulases. These perfumes include but are not limited to: hexyl cinnamic aldehyde; 2-methyl-3-(para-tert-butylphenyl)-propionaldehyde; 7-acetyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,1,6,7-tetramethyl naphthalene; benzyl salicylate; 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl tetralin; para-tert-butyl cyclohexyl acetate; methyl dihydro jasmonate; beta-napthol methyl ether; methyl beta-naphthyl ketone; 2-methyl-2-(para-iso-propylphenyl)-propionaldehyde; 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyrane; dodecahydro-3 a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho [2,1b]furan; anisalde-hyde; coumarin; cedrol; vanillin; cyclopentadecanolide; tricyclodecenyl acetate; and tricyclodecenyl propionate.

Other perfume materials include essential oils, resinoids, and resins from a variety of sources including, but not limited to: Peru balsam, Olibanum resinoid, styrax, labdanum resin, nutmeg, cassia oil, benzoin resin, coriander and lavandin. Still other perfume chemicals include phenyl ethyl alcohol, terpineol, linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol, nerol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-cyclohexanol acetate, benzyl acetate, and eugenol. Carriers such as diethylphthalate can be used in the finished perfume compositions.

In place of the perfume, especially in microemulsions, the compositions can employ an essential oil or a water insoluble organic compound such as a water insoluble hydrocarbon having 6 to 18 carbon such as a paraffin or isoparaffin such as isoparH, isodecane, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, decanol and terpineol. Suitable essential oils are selected from the group consisting of: Anethole 20/21 natural, Aniseed oil china star, Aniseed oil globe brand, Balsam (Peru), Basil oil (India), Black pepper oil, Black pepper oleoresin 40/20, Bois de Rose (Brazil) FOB, Borneol Flakes (China), Camphor oil, White, Camphor powder synthetic technical, Cananga oil (Java), Cardamom oil, Cassia oil (China), Cedarwood oil (China) BP, Cinnamon bark oil, Cinnamon leaf oil, Citronella oil, Clove bud oil, Clove leaf, Coriander (Russia), Coumarin 69.degree. C. (China), Cyclamen Aldehyde, Diphenyl oxide, Ethyl vanilin, Eucalyptol, Eucalyptus oil, Eucalyptus citriodora, Fennel oil, Geranium oil, Ginger oil, Ginger oleoresin (India), White grapefruit oil, Guaiacwood oil, Gurjun balsam, Heliotropin, Isobornyl acetate, Isolongifolene, Juniper berry oil, L-methyl acetate, Lavender oil, Lemon oil, Lemongrass oil, Lime oil distilled, Litsea Cubeba oil, Longifolene, Menthol crystals, Methyl cedryl ketone, Methyl chavicol, Methyl salicylate, Musk ambrette, Musk ketone, Musk xylol, Nutmeg oil, Orange oil, Patchpouli oil, Peppermint oil, Phenyl ethyl alcohol, Pimento berry oil, Pimento leaf oil, Rosalin, Sandalwood oil, Sandenol, Sage oil, Clary sage, Sassafras oil, Spearmint oil, Spike lavender, Tagetes, Tea tree oil, Vanilin, Vetyver oil (Java), Wintergreen.

Hydrotropes—The compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more materials which are hydrotropes. Hydrotropes suitable for use in the compositions herein include the C₁-C₃ alkyl aryl sulfonates, C₆-C₁₂ alkanols, C₁-C₆ carboxylic sulfates and sulfonates, urea, C₁-C₆ hydrocarboxylates, C₁-C₄ carboxylates, C₂-C₄ organic diacids and mixtures of these hydrotrope materials. The liquid detergent composition of the present invention preferably comprises from about 0.5% to 8%, by weight of the liquid detergent composition of a hydrotrope selected from alkali metal and calcium xylene and toluene sulfonates.

Suitable C₁-C₃ alkyl aryl sulfonates include sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium xylene sulfonates; sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium toluene sulfonates; sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium cumene sulfonates; and sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium substituted or unsubstituted naphthalene sulfonates and mixtures thereof.

Suitable C₁-C₈ carboxylic sulfate or sulfonate salts are any water soluble salts or organic compounds comprising 1 to 8 carbon atoms (exclusive of substituent groups), which are substituted with sulfate or sulfonate and have at least one carboxylic group. The substituted organic compound may be cyclic, acylic or aromatic, i.e. benzene derivatives. Preferred alkyl compounds have from 1 to 4 carbon atoms substituted with sulfate or sulfonate and have from 1 to 2 carboxylic groups. Examples of this type of hydrotrope include sulfosuccinate salts, sulfophthalic salts, sulfoacetic salts, m-sulfobenzoic acid salts and diester sulfosuccinates, preferably the sodium or potassium salts as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,915,903.

Suitable C₁-C₄ hydrocarboxylates and C₁-C₄ carboxylates for use herein include acetates and propionates and citrates. Suitable C₂-C₄ diacids for use herein include succinic, glutaric and adipic acids.

Other compounds which deliver hydrotropic effects suitable for use herein as a hydrotrope include C₆-C₁₂ alkanols and urea.

Preferred hydrotropes for use herein are sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium cumene sulfonate; sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium xylene sulfonate; sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium toluene sulfonate and mixtures thereof. Most preferred are sodium cumene sulfonate and calcium xylene sulfonate and mixtures thereof. These preferred hydrotrope materials can be present in the composition to the extent of from about 0.5% to 8% by weight.

The composition will preferably contain at least about 0.1%, more preferably at least about 0.2%, even more preferably still, at least about 0.5% by weight of the composition of hydrotrope. The composition will also preferably contain no more than about 15%, more preferably no more than about 10%, even more preferably, no more than about 8% by weight of the composition of hydrotrope.

Bleaching Compounds

Bleaching Agents and Bleach Activators The detergent compositions herein may further contain a bleach and/or a bleach activators. Bleaches agents will typically, when present, be at levels of from about 1% to about 30%, more typically from about 5% to about 20%, of the detergent composition, especially for fabric laundering. If present, the amount of bleach activators will typically be from about 0.1% to about 60%, more typically from about 0.5% to about 40% of the composition comprising the bleaching agent-plus-bleach activator.

The bleaches used herein can be any of the bleaches useful for detergent compositions in textile cleaning, hard surface cleaning, or other cleaning purposes that are now known or become known. These include oxygen bleaches as well as other bleaching agents. Perborate bleaches, e.g., sodium perborate (e.g., mono- or tetra-hydrate) can be used herein.

Another category of bleaches that can be used without restriction encompasses percarboxylic acid bleaching agents and salts thereof. Suitable examples of this class of agents include magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate, the magnesium salt of metachloro perbenzoic acid, 4-nonylamino-4-oxoperoxybutyric acid and diperoxydodecanedioic acid. Such bleaches are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,781, Hartman, issued Nov. 20, 1984, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 740,446, Burns et al, filed Jun. 3, 1985, European Patent Application 0,133,354, Banks et al, published Feb. 20, 1985, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,934, Chung et al, issued Nov. 1, 1983. Highly preferred bleaches also include 6-nonylamino-6-oxoperoxycaproic acid as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,551, issued Jan. 6, 1987 to Burns et al.

Peroxygen bleaches can also be used. Suitable peroxygen bleaching compounds include sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate and equivalent “percarbonate” bleaches, sodium pyrophosphate peroxyhydrate, urea peroxyhydrate, and sodium peroxide. Persulfate bleach (e.g., OXONE, manufactured commercially by DuPont) can also be used.

A preferred percarbonate bleach comprises dry particles having an average particle size in the range from about 500 micrometers to about 1,000 micrometers, not more than about 10% by weight of said particles being smaller than about 200 micrometers and not more than about 10% by weight of said particles being larger than about 1,250 micrometers. Optionally, the percarbonate can be coated with silicate, borate or water-soluble surfactants. Percarbonate is available from various commercial sources such as FMC, Solvay and Tokai Denka.

Mixtures of bleaches can also be used.

Peroxygen bleaches, the perborates, the percarbonates, etc., are preferably combined with bleach activators, which lead to the in situ production in aqueous solution (i.e., during the washing process) of the peroxy acid corresponding to the bleach activator. Various nonlimiting examples of activators are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,854, issued Apr. 10, 1990 to Mao et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,934. The nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS) and tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) activators are typical, and mixtures thereof can also be used. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,551 for other typical bleaches and activators useful herein.

Bleach Activators

Bleach activators useful herein include amides, imides, esters and anhydrides. Commonly at least one substituted or unsubstituted acyl moiety is present, covalently connected to a leaving group as in the structure R—(O)—L. In one preferred mode of use, bleach activators are combined with a source of hydrogen peroxide, such as the perborates or percarbonates, in a single product. Conveniently, the single product leads to in situ production in aqueous solution (i.e., during the washing process) of the percarboxylic acid corresponding to the bleach activator. The product itself can be hydrous, for example a powder, provided that water is controlled in amount and mobility such that storage stability is acceptable. Alternately, the product can be an anhydrous solid or liquid. In another mode, the bleach activator or oxygen bleach is incorporated in a pretreatment product, such as a stain stick; soiled, pretreated substrates can then be exposed to further treatments, for example of a hydrogen peroxide source. With respect to the above bleach activator structure RC(O)L, the atom in the leaving group connecting to the peracid-forming acyl moiety R(C)O— is most typically O or N. Bleach activators can have non-charged, positively or negatively charged peracid-forming moieties and/or noncharged, positively or negatively charged leaving groups. One or more peracid-forming moieties or leaving-groups can be present. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,967, U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,235, U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,862 or the bis-(peroxy-carbonic) system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,179. Mixtures of suitable bleach activators can also be used. Bleach activators can be substituted with electron-donating or electron-releasing moieties either in the leaving-group or in the peracid-forming moiety or moieties, changing their reactivity and making them more or less suited to particular pH or wash conditions. For example, electron-withdrawing groups such as NO₂ improve the efficacy of bleach activators intended for use in mild-pH (e.g., from about 7.5- to about 9.5) wash conditions.

An extensive and exhaustive disclosure of suitable bleach activators and suitable leaving groups, as well as how to determine suitable activators, can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,686,014 and 5,622,646.

Cationic bleach activators include quaternary carbamate-, quaternary carbonate-, quaternary ester- and quaternary amide-types, delivering a range of cationic peroxyimidic, peroxycarbonic or peroxycarboxylic acids to the wash. An analogous but non-cationic palette of bleach activators is available when quaternary derivatives are not desired. In more detail, cationic activators include quaternary ammonium-substituted activators of WO 96-06915, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,751,015 and 4,397,757, EP-A-284292, EP-A-331,229 and EP-A-03520. Also useful are cationic nitrites as disclosed in EP-A-303,520 and in European Patent Specification 458,396 and 464,880. Other nitrile types have electron-withdrawing substituents as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,378.

Other bleach activator disclosures include GB 836,988; 864,798; 907,356; 1,003,310 and 1,519,351; German Patent 3,337,921; EP-A-0185522; EP-A-0174132; EP-A-0120591; U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,246,339; 3,332,882; 4,128,494; 4,412,934 and 4,675,393, and the phenol sulfonate ester of alkanoyl aminoacids disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,434. Suitable bleach activators include any acetylated diamine types, whether hydrophilic or hydrophobic in character.

Of the above classes of bleach precursors, preferred classes include the esters, including acyl phenol sulfonates, acyl alkyl phenol sulfonates or acyl oxybenzenesulfonates (OBS leaving-group); the acyl-amides; and the quaternary ammonium substituted peroxyacid precursors including the cationic nitrites.

Preferred bleach activators include N,N,N′N′-tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) or any of its close relatives including the triacetyl or other unsymmetrical derivatives. TAED and the acetylated carbohydrates such as glucose pentaacetate and tetraacetyl xylose are preferred hydrophilic bleach activators. Depending on the application, acetyl triethyl citrate, a liquid, also has some utility, as does phenyl benzoate.

Preferred hydrophobic bleach activators include sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS or SNOBS), N-(alkanoyl)aminoalkanoyloxy benzene sulfonates, such as 4-[N-(nonanoyl)aminohexanoyloxy]-benzene sulfonate or (NACA-OBS) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,642 and in EPA 0 355 384 A1, substituted amide types described in detail hereinafter, such as activators related to NAPAA, and activators related to certain imidoperacid bleaches, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,807, issued Oct. 29, 1991 and assigned to Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft of Frankfurt, Germany and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application (Kokai) No. 4-28799.

Another group of peracids and bleach activators herein are those derivable from acyclic imidoperoxycarboxylic acids and salts thereof, See U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,796, and cyclic imidoperoxycarboxylic acids and salts thereof, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,061,807, 5,132,431, 5,6542,69, 5,246,620, 5,419,864 and 5,438,147.

Another class of useful bleach activators comprises the benzoxazin-type activators disclosed by Hodge et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,723, Issued Oct. 30, 1990, incorporated herein by reference.

Still another class of useful bleach activators includes the acyl lactam activators. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,784, Issued to Sanderson, Oct. 8, 1985, incorporated herein by reference, which discloses acyl caprolactams, including benzoyl caprolactam, adsorbed into sodium perborate.

Other suitable bleach activators include sodium-4-benzoyloxy benzene sulfonate (SBOBS); sodium-1-methyl-2-benzoyloxy benzene-4-sulphonate; sodium-4-methyl-3-benzoyloxy benzoate (SPCC); trimethyl ammonium toluyloxy-benzene sulfonate; or sodium 3,5,5-trimethyl hexanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (STHOBS).

Bleach activators may be used in an amount of up to 20%, preferably from 0.1-10% by weight, of the composition, though higher levels, 40% or more, are acceptable, for example in highly concentrated bleach additive product forms or forms intended for appliance automated dosing.

Highly preferred bleach activators useful herein are amide-substituted and an extensive and exhaustive disclosure of these activators can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,686,014 and 5,622,646.

Other useful activators, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,723, are benzoxazin-type, such as a C₆H₄ ring to which is fused in the 1,2-positions a moiety —C(O)OC(R¹)═N—. A highly preferred activator of the benzoxazin-type is:

Depending on the activator and precise application, good bleaching results can be obtained from bleaching systems having with in-use pH of from about 6 to about 13, preferably from about 9.0 to about 10.5. Typically, for example, activators with electron-withdrawing moieties are used for near-neutral or sub-neutral pH ranges. Alkalis and buffering agents can be used to secure such pH.

Acyl lactam activators are very useful herein, especially the acyl caprolactams (see for example WO 94-28102 A) and acyl valerolactams (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,639). See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,784 which discloses acyl caprolactams, including benzoyl caprolactam adsorbed into sodium perborate. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, NOBS, lactam activators, imide activators or amide-functional activators, especially the more hydrophobic derivatives, are desirably combined with hydrophilic activators such as TAED, typically at weight ratios of hydrophobic activator:TAED in the range of 1:5 to 5:1, preferably about 1:1. Other suitable lactam activators are alpha-modified, see WO 96-22350 A1, Jul. 25, 1996. Lactam activators, especially the more hydrophobic types, are desirably used in combination with TAED, typically at weight ratios of amido-derived or caprolactam activators: TAED in the range of 1:5 to 5:1, preferably about 1:1. See also the bleach activators having cyclic amidine leaving-group disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,556.

Nonlimiting examples of additional activators useful herein are to be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,854, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,412,934 and 4,634,551. The hydrophobic activator nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS) and the hydrophilic tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) activator are typical, and mixtures thereof can also be used.

Additional activators useful herein include those of U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,349, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

Useful organic peroxygen bleaching agents include percarboxylic acid bleaching agents and salts thereof. Suitable examples of this class of agents include magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate, the magnesium salt of metachloro perbenzoic acid, 4-nonylamino4-oxoperoxybutyric acid and diperoxydodecanedioic acid. Such bleaching agents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,781, Hartman, Issued Nov. 20, 1984; European Patent Application EP-A-133,354, Banks et al., Published Feb. 20, 1985; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,934, Chung et al., Issued Nov. 1, 1983. Highly preferred bleaching agents also include 6-nonylamino-6-oxoperoxycaproic acid (NAPAA) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,551, Issued Jan. 6, 1987 to Burns et al.

Various non-limiting examples of activators are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,854, Issued Apr. 10, 1990 to Mao et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,934 Issued Nov. 1, 1983 to Chung et al. The nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS) and tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) activators are typical. Mixtures thereof can also be used. See also the hereinbefore referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,551 for other typical bleaches and activators useful herein.

Bleaches other than oxygen bleaching agents are also known in the art and can be utilized herein. One type of non-oxygen bleaching agent of particular interest includes photoactivated bleaches such as the sulfonated zinc and/or aluminum phthalocyanines. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,718, issued Jul. 5, 1977 to Holcombe et al. If used, detergent compositions will typically contain from about 0.025% to about 1.25%, by weight, of such bleaches, especially sulfonate zinc phthalocyanine.

Bleach Catalysts

The present invention compositions may optionally utilize metal-containing bleach catalysts that are effective for use in cleaning compositions. Preferred are manganese and cobalt-containing bleach catalysts.

For examples of suitable bleach catalysts see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,246,612, 5,804542, 5,798,326, 5,246,621, 4,430,243, 5,244,594, 5,597,936, 5,705,464, 4,810,410, 4,601,845, 5,194,416, 5,703,030, 4,728,455, 4,711,748, 4,626,373, 4,119,557, 5,114,606, 5,599,781, 5,703,034, 5,114,611, 4,430,243, 4,728,455, and 5,227,084; EP Pat. Nos. 408,131, 549, 271, 384, 503, 549, 272, 224,952, and 306,089; DE Pat. No. 2,054,019; CA Pat No. 866,191.

If desired, the bleaching compounds can be catalyzed by means of a manganese compound. Such compounds are well known in the art and include, for example, the manganese-based catalysts disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,621, U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,594; U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,416; U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,606; European Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 549,271A1, 549,272A1, 544,440A2, 544,490A1; and PCT applications PCT/IB98/00298, PCT/IB98/00299, PCT/IB98/00300, and PCT/IB98100302; Preferred examples of these catalysts include MnIV2(u-O)3(1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)2(PF6)2, MnIII2(u-O)1(u-OAc)2(1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)2(ClO4)2, MnIV4(u-O)6(1,4,7-triazacyclononane)4(ClO4)4, MnIIIMnIV4(u-O)1(u-OAc)2-(1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)2(ClO4)3, MnIV(1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-tri-azacyclononane)-(OCH3)3(PF6), and mixtures thereof. Other metal-based bleach catalysts include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,430,243, 5,114,611, 5,622,646 and 5,686,014. The use of manganese with various complex ligands to enhance bleaching is also reported in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,728,455; 5,284,944; 5,246,612; 5,256,779; 5,280,117; 5,274,147; 5,153,161; and 5,227,084.

Compositions herein may also suitably include as a bleach catalyst the class of transition metal complexes of a macropolycyclic rigid ligand. The phrase “macropolycyclic rigid ligand” is sometimes abbreviated as “MRL”. One useful MRL is [MnByclamC12], where “Bcyclam” is (5,12-dimethyl-1,5,8,12-tetraaza-bicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane). See PCT applications PCT/IB98/00298, PCT/IB98/00299, PCT/IB98/00300, and PCT/IB98/00302. The amount used is a catalytically effective amount, suitably about 1 ppb or more, for example up to about 99.9%, more typically about 0.001 ppm or more, preferably from about 0.05 ppm to about 500 ppm (wherein “ppb” denotes parts per billion by weight and “ppm” denotes parts per million by weight).

One type of preferred bleach catalysts are the cobalt (III) catalysts having the formula: Co[(NH₃)_(n)M′_(m)B′_(b)T′_(t)Q_(q)P_(p)]Y_(y) wherein cobalt is in the +3 oxidation state; n is an integer from 0 to 5 (preferably 4 or 5; most preferably 5); M′ represents a monodentate ligand; m is an integer from 0 to 5 (preferably 1 or 2; most preferably 1); B′ represents a bidentate ligand; b is an integer from 0 to 2; T′ represents a tridentate ligand; t is 0 or 1; Q is a tetradentate ligand; q is 0 or 1; P is a pentadentate ligand; p is 0 or 1; and n+m+2b+3t+4q+5p=6; Y is one or more appropriately selected counteranions present in a number y, where y is an integer from 1 to 3 (preferably 2 to 3; most preferably 2 when Y is a−1 charged anion), to obtain a charge-balanced salt, preferred Y are selected from the group consisting of chloride, iodide, I₃ ⁻, formate, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, sulfite, citrate, acetate, carbonate, bromide, PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, B(Ph)₄ ⁻, phosphate, phosphite, silicate, tosylate, methanesulfonate, and combinations thereof [optionally, Y can be protonated if more than one anionic group exists in Y, e.g., HPO₄ ²⁻, HCO₃ ⁻, H₂PO₄ ⁻, etc., and further, Y may be selected from the group consisting of non-traditional inorganic anions such as anionic surfactants, e.g., linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), alkyl sulfates (AS), alkylethoxysulfonates (AES), etc., and/or anionic polymers, e.g., polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, etc.]; and wherein further at least one of the coordination sites attached to the cobalt is labile under automatic dishwashing use conditions and the remaining coordination sites stabilize the cobalt under automatic dishwashing conditions such that the reduction potential for cobalt (III) to cobalt (II) under alkaline conditions is less than about 0.4 volts (preferably less than about 0.2 volts) versus a normal hydrogen electrode.

Preferred cobalt catalysts of this type have the formula: [Co(NH₃)_(n)(M′)_(m)]Y_(y) wherein n is an integer from 3 to 5 (preferably 4 or 5; most preferably 5); M′ is a labile coordinating moiety, preferably selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, hydroxide, water, and (when m is greater than 1) combinations thereof; m is an integer from 1 to 3 (preferably 1 or 2; most preferably 1); m+n=6; and Y is an appropriately selected counteranion present in a number y, which is an integer from 1 to 3 (preferably 2 to 3; most preferably 2 when Y is a −1 charged anion), to obtain a charge-balanced salt.

The preferred cobalt catalyst of this type useful herein are cobalt pentaamine chloride salts having the formula [Co(NH₃)₅Cl] Y_(y), and especially [Co(NH₃)₅Cl]Cl₂.

More preferred are the present invention compositions which utilize cobalt (III) bleach catalysts having the formula: [Co(NH₃)_(n)(M)_(m)(B)_(b)]T_(y) wherein cobalt is in the +3 oxidation state; n is 4 or 5 (preferably 5); M is one or more ligands coordinated to the cobalt by one site; m is 0, 1 or 2 (preferably 1); B is a ligand coordinated to the cobalt by two sites; b is 0 or 1 (preferably 0), and when b=0, then m+n=6, and when b=1, then m=0 and n=4; and T is one or more appropriately selected counteranions present in a number y, where y is an integer to obtain a charge-balanced salt (preferably y is 1 to 3; most preferably 2 when T is a−1 charged anion); and wherein further said catalyst has a base hydrolysis rate constant of less than 0.23 M⁻¹ s⁻¹ (25° C.).

The most preferred cobalt catalyst useful herein are cobalt pentaamine acetate salts having the formula [Co(NH ₃)₅OAc] T_(y), wherein OAc represents an acetate moiety, and especially cobalt pentaamine acetate chloride, [Co(NH₃)₅OAc]Cl₂; as well as [Co(NH₃)₅OAc](OAc)₂; [Co(NH₃)₅OAc](PF₆)₂; [Co(NH₃)₅OAc](SO₄); [Co(NH₃)₅OAc] (BF₄)₂; and [Co(NH₃)₅OAc](NO₃)₂.

As a practical matter, and not by way of limitation, the cleaning compositions and cleaning processes herein can be adjusted to provide on the order of at least one part per hundred million of the active bleach catalyst species in the aqueous washing medium, and will preferably provide from about 0.01 ppm to about 25 ppm, more preferably from about 0.05 ppm to about 10 ppm, and most preferably from about 0.1 ppm to about 5 ppm, of the bleach catalyst species in the wash liquor. In order to obtain such levels in the wash liquor of an automatic dishwashing process, typical automatic dishwashing compositions herein will comprise from about 0.0005% to about 0.2%, more preferably from about 0.004% to about 0.08%, of bleach catalyst by weight of the cleaning compositions.

Chelating Agents—The detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain a chelating agent which serves to chelate metal ions, e.g., iron and/or manganese, within the non-aqueous detergent compositions herein. Such chelating agents thus serve to form complexes with metal impurities in the composition which would otherwise tend to deactivate composition components such as the peroxygen bleaching agent. Useful chelating agents can include amino carboxylates, phosphonates, amino phosphonates, polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents and mixtures thereof.

Amino carboxylates useful as optional chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetates, N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrilotriacetates, ethylene-diamine tetrapropionates, triethylenetetraaminehexacetates, diethylenetriaminepentaacetates, ethylenediaminedisuccinates and ethanol diglycines. The alkali metal salts of these materials are preferred.

Amino phosphonates are also suitable for use as chelating agents in the compositions of this invention when at least low levels of total phosphorus are permitted in detergent compositions, and include ethylenediaminetetrakis (methylene-phosphonates) as DEQUEST. Preferably, these amino phosphonates do not contain alkyl or alkenyl groups with more than about 6 carbon atoms.

Preferred chelating agents include hydroxy-ethyldiphosphonic acid (HEDP), diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) and dipicolinic acid (DPA) and salts thereof. The chelating agent may, of course, also act as a detergent builder during use of the compositions herein for fabric laundering/bleaching. The chelating agent, if employed, can comprise from about 0.1% to 4% by weight of the compositions herein. More preferably, the chelating agent will comprise from about 0.2% to 2% by weight of the detergent compositions herein.

Thickening, Viscosity Control and/or Dispersing Agents

The detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain a polymeric material which serves to enhance the ability of the composition to maintain its solid particulate components in suspension. Such materials may thus act as thickeners, viscosity control agents and/or dispersing agents. Such materials are frequently polymeric polycarboxylates but can include other polymeric materials such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyamide resins.

Polymeric polycarboxylate materials can be prepared by polymerizing or copolymerizing suitable unsaturated monomers, preferably in their acid form. Unsaturated monomeric acids that can be polymerized to form suitable polymeric polycarboxylates include acrylic acid, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid. The presence in the polymeric polycarboxylates herein of monomeric segments, containing no carboxylate radicals such as vinylmethyl ether, styrene, ethylene, etc. is suitable provided that such segments do not constitute more than about 40% by weight of the polymer.

Particularly suitable polymeric polycarboxylates can be derived from acrylic acid. Such acrylic acid-based polymers which are useful herein are the water-soluble salts of polymerized acrylic acid. The average molecular weight of such polymers in the acid form preferably ranges from about 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably from about 2,000 to 10,000, even more preferably from about 4,000 to 7,000, and most preferably from about 4,000 to 5,000. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid polymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, salts. Soluble polymers of this type are known materials. Use of polyacrylates of this type in detergent compositions has been disclosed, for example, Diehl, U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,067, issued Mar. 7, 1967. Such materials may also perform a builder function.

If utilized, the optional thickening, viscosity control and/or dispersing agents should be present in the compositions herein to the extent of from about 0.1% to 4% by weight. More preferably, such materials can comprise from about 0.5% to 2% by weight of the detergents compositions herein.

Clay Soil Removal/Anti-Redeposition Agents

The compositions of the present invention can also optionally contain water-soluble ethoxylated amines having clay soil removal and anti-redeposition properties. If used, soil materials can contain from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the compositions herein.

The most preferred soil release and anti-redeposition agent is ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine. Exemplary ethoxylated amines are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,898, VanderMeer, issued Jul. 1, 1986. Another group of preferred clay soil removal-anti-redeposition agents are the cationic compounds disclosed in European Patent Application 111,965, Oh and Gosselink, published Jun. 27, 1984. Other clay soil removal/anti-redeposition agents which can be used include the ethoxylated amine polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 111,984, Gosselink, published Jun. 27, 1984; the zwitterionic polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 112,592, Gosselink, published Jul. 4, 1984; and the amine oxides disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,548,744, Connor, issued Oct. 22, 1985. Other clay soil removal and/or anti-redeposition agents known in the art can also be utilized in the compositions herein. Another type of preferred anti-redeposition agent includes the carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) materials. These materials are well known in the art.

Polymeric Soil Release Agent

Any polymeric soil release agent known to those skilled in the art can optionally be employed in the compositions and processes of this invention. Polymeric soil release agents are characterized by having both hydrophilic segments, to hydrophilize the surface of hydrophobic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segments, to deposit upon hydrophobic fibers and remain adhered thereto through completion of washing and rinsing cycles and, thus, serve as an anchor for the hydrophilic segments. This can enable stains occurring subsequent to treatment with the soil release agent to be more easily cleaned in later washing procedures.

Examples of polymeric soil release agents useful herein include U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,580, issued Jan. 26, 1988 to Gosselink; U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,093, issued Dec. 28, 1976 to Nicol, et al.; European Patent Application 0 219 048, published Apr. 22, 1987 by Kud, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,857, issued Oct. 27, 1987 to Gosselink; U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,451, issued Nov. 6, 1990 to J. J. Scheibel. Commercially available soil release agents include the SOKALAN type of material, e.g., SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF (West Germany). Also see U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,230 to Hays, issued May 25, 1976 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,929 to Basadur issued Jul. 8, 1975. Examples of this polymer include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126 (from Dupont) and MILEASE T (from ICI). Other suitable polymeric soil release agents include the terephthalate polyesters of U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,730, issued Dec. 8, 1987 to Gosselink et al, the anionic end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,580, issued Jan. 26, 1988 to Gosselink, and the block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,857, issued Oct. 27, 1987 to Gosselink. Preferred polymeric soil release agents also include the soil release agents of U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,896, issued Oct. 31, 1989 to Maldonado et al.

If utilized, soil release agents will generally comprise from about 0.01% to about 10.0%, by weight, of the detergent compositions herein, typically from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 3.0%.

Dye Transfer Inhibiting Agents

The compositions of the present invention may also include one or more materials effective for inhibiting the transfer of dyes from one fabric to another during the cleaning process. Generally, such dye transfer inhibiting agents include polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof. If used, these agents typically comprise from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, and more preferably from about 0.05% to about 2%.

More specifically, the polyamine N-oxide polymers preferred for use herein contain units having the following structural formula: R-A_(x)-P; wherein P is a polymerizable unit to which an N—O group can be attached or the N—O group can form part of the polymerizable unit or the N—O group can be attached to both units; A is one of the following structures: —NC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S—, —O—, —N═; x is 0 or 1; and R is aliphatic, ethoxylated aliphatics, aromatics, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or any combination thereof to which the nitrogen of the N—O group can be attached or the N—O group is part of these groups. Preferred polyamine N-oxides are those wherein R is a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrrolidine, piperidine and derivatives thereof.

The N—O group can be represented by the following general structures:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ are aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations thereof; x, y and z are 0 or 1; and the nitrogen of the N—O group can be attached or form part of any of the aforementioned groups. The amine oxide unit of the polyamine N-oxides has a pKa<10, preferably pKa<7, more preferred pKa<6.

Any polymer backbone can be used as long as the amine oxide polymer formed is water-soluble and has dye transfer inhibiting properties. Examples of suitable polymeric backbones are polyvinyls, polyalkylenes, polyesters, polyethers, polyamide, polyimides, polyacrylates and mixtures thereof. These polymers include random or block copolymers where one monomer type is an amine N-oxide and the other monomer type is an N-oxide. The amine N-oxide polymers typically have a ratio of amine to the amine N-oxide of 10:1 to 1:1,000,000. However, the number of amine oxide groups present in the polyamine oxide polymer can be varied by appropriate copolymerization or by an appropriate degree of N-oxidation. The polyamine oxides can be obtained in almost any degree of polymerization. Typically, the average molecular weight is within the range of 500 to 1,000,000; more preferred 1,000 to 500,000; most preferred 5,000 to 100,000. This preferred class of materials can be referred to as “PVNO”.

The most preferred polyamine N-oxide useful in the detergent compositions herein is poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) which as an average molecular weight of about 50,000 and an amine to amine N-oxide ratio of about 1:4.

Copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole polymers (referred to as a class as “PVPVI”) are also preferred for use herein. Preferably the PVPVI has an average molecular weight range from 5,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000, and most preferably from 10,000 to 20,000. (The average molecular weight range is determined by light scattering as described in Barth, et al., Chemical Analysis, Vol 113. “Modern Methods of Polymer Characterization”, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.) The PVPVI copolymers typically have a molar ratio of N-vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1:1 to 0.2:1, more preferably from 0.8:1 to 0.3:1, most preferably from 0.6:1 to 0.4:1. These copolymers can be either linear or branched.

The present invention compositions also may employ a polyvinylpyrrolidone (“PVP”) having an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 400,000, preferably from about 5,000 to about 200,000, and more preferably from about 5,000 to about 50,000. PVP's are known to persons skilled in the detergent field; see, for example, EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696, incorporated herein by reference. Compositions containing PVP can also contain polyethylene glycol (“PEG”) having an average molecular weight from about 500 to about 100,000, preferably from about 1,000 to about 10,000. Preferably, the ratio of PEG to PVP on a ppm basis delivered in wash solutions is from about 2:1 to about 50:1, and more preferably from about 3:1 to about 10:1.

The detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain from about 0.005% to 5% by weight of certain types of hydrophilic optical brighteners which also provide a dye transfer inhibition action. If used, the compositions herein will preferably comprise from about 0.01% to 1% by weight of such optical brighteners.

The hydrophilic optical brighteners useful in the present invention are those having the structural formula:

wherein R₁ is selected from anilino, N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and NH-2-hydroxyethyl; R₂ is selected from N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino, morphilino, chloro and amino; and M is a salt-forming cation such as sodium or potassium.

When in the above formula, R₁ is anilino, R₂ is N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4′,-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid and disodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal-UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation. Tinopal-UNPA-GX is the preferred hydrophilic optical brightener useful in the detergent compositions herein.

When in the above formula, R₁ is anilino, R₂ is N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-2-methylamino and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4′-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino)-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation.

When in the above formula, R₁ is anilino, R₂ is morphilino and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4′-bis[(4-anilino-6-morphilino-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid, sodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Corporation.

The specific optical brightener species selected for use in the present invention provide especially effective dye transfer inhibition performance benefits when used in combination with the selected polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents hereinbefore described. The combination of such selected polymeric materials (e.g., PVNO and/or PVPVI) with such selected optical brighteners (e.g., Tinopal UNPA-GX, Tinopal 5BM-GX and/or Tinopal AMS-GX) provides significantly better dye transfer inhibition in aqueous wash solutions than does either of these two detergent composition components when used alone. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such brighteners work this way because they have high affinity for fabrics in the wash solution and therefore deposit relatively quick on these fabrics. The extent to which brighteners deposit on fabrics in the wash solution can be defined by a parameter called the “exhaustion coefficient”. The exhaustion coefficient is in general as the ratio of a) the brightener material deposited on fabric to b) the initial brightener concentration in the wash liquor. Brighteners with relatively high exhaustion coefficients are the most suitable for inhibiting dye transfer in the context of the present invention.

Of course, it will be appreciated that other, conventional optical brightener types of compounds can optionally be used in the present compositions to provide conventional fabric “brightness” benefits, rather than a true dye transfer inhibiting effect. Such usage is conventional and well-known to detergent formulations.

Form Of the composition—The compositions of the present invention may be of any useful form. That is the compositions may be in the form of a granule, liquid, bar, gel, liqui-gel paste, microemulsion, aerosol, powdes, solid, and the like. The form of the composition will be selected depending upon the desired properties of the formulation and the intended use of the composition.

Specific Form Application Compositions

It is more prefered that the selection of the carrier and other adjuncts ingredients be based on the end use and form of the composition. For example when the detergent composition is in the form of a nonaqueous liquid laundry detergent composition the carrier and other adjuncts ingredients used would be those appropriate to those laundry detergent compositions.

The detergent compositions of the present invention typically, but are not limited to, include personal cleansing compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, aqueous and nonaqueous liquid laundry detergents, laundry bars, shampoos, hand soap, syndet bars, shampoos, antidandrruf shampoos.

When the compositons of the present invention is a personal cleansing compositions, such as body washes, facial scrubs, styling mousse, hair gel, shampoos, conditioners, etc, the composition typically includes a conventional personal cleansing additive, more preferably selected from the group consisting of conditioning agents, preferably selected from nonvolatile hydrocarbon conditioning agents, nonvolatile silicone conditioning agents and mixtures thereof; deposition polymer, conventional personal care polymer; antidandruff agent; surfactant; dispersed phase polymer; and mixtures thereof. When the personal cleansing compositions include a conditioning agents they must also contain a suspending agent. Furthermore, when the compositons of the present invention is a personal cleansing compositions, such as a shampoo, conditioner, styling gel or mousse, they may also optionally contain a water insoluble hair styling polymer, a volatile water insoluble solvent, and optionally, a cationic spreading agent.

When the compositons of the present invention is an antidandruff shampoo the composition typically includes an antidandruff agent.

When the compositons of the present invention is a hard surface cleaning composition (HSC) the composition typically includes a conventional surface cleansing additive, more preferably selected from the group consisting of surfactant; and mixtures thereof. HSC compositions preferanly are in the form of a liquid, powder, paste, gel, liquid-gel, microemulsion, or granule.

When the compositons of the present invention is a nonaqueous heavy dutyliquid laundry detergent (HDL) composition the composition typically is in the form of a stable suspension of solid, substantially insoluble particulate material dispersed throughout a structured, surfactant-containing liquid phase, wherein the nonaqueous, liquid, heavy-duty detergent composition further comprises:

-   -   from about 55% to 98.9% by weight of the composition of a         structured, surfactant-containing liquid phase formed by         combining:     -   i) from about 1% to 80% by weight of said liquid phase of one or         more nonaqueous organic diluents; and     -   ii) from about 20% to 99%, preferably from about 35% to 70%,         more preferably from about 50% to 65% by weight of said liquid         phase of a surfactant system comprising surfactants selected         from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic         surfactants and combinations thereof;     -   optionally, but preferably, wherein the detergent composition         further comprises from at least about 0.1% by weight of the         composition of a bleach activator selected from the group         consisting of nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate, amido-derived bleach         activators of the formulae:         R¹N(R⁵)C(O)R²C(O)L or R¹C(O)N(R⁵)R²C(O)L     -   and mixtures thereof;     -   wherein R¹ is an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 12         carbon atoms, R² is an alkylene containing from 1 to about 6         carbon atoms, R⁵ is H or alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl containing from         about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, and L is a suitable leaving         group.

It is also prefered that when the composition is a nonaqueous, liquid, heavy-duty detergent it further comprises from about 0.1 to about 8% of an alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amide.

The surfactant-containing, non-aqueous liquid phase of the present invention will generally comprise from about 52% to about 98.9% by weight of the detergent compositions herein. More preferably, this liquid phase is surfactant-structured and will comprise from about 55% to 98% by weight of the compositions. Most preferably, this non-aqueous liquid phase will comprise from about 55% to 70% by weight of the compositions herein. Such a surfactant-containing liquid phase will frequently have a density of from about 0.6 to 1.4 g/cc, more preferably from about 0.9 to 1.3 g/cc. The liquid phase of the nonaqueous HDL detergent compositions herein is preferably formed from one or more non-aqueous organic diluents into which is mixed a surfactant structuring agent which is preferably a specific type of anionic surfactant-containing powder.

It is also prefered that when the composition is a nonaqueous, liquid, heavy-duty detergent that the particulate material comprises from about 0.01% to 50% by weight of the composition, said particulate material ranging in size from about 0.1 to 1500 microns, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of peroxygen bleaching agents, bleach activators, colored speckles, organic detergent builders, inorganic alkalinity sources and mixtures thereof.

It is also prefered that when the composition is a nonaqueous, liquid, heavy-duty detergent that the nonaqueous, liquid, heavy-duty detergent further comprises from about 0.1 to about 8%, by weight of an alkyl dimethyl amine oxide and from about 0.05 to about 2%, by weight of magnesium ions.

When the compositons of the present invention is a an aqueous based heavy-duty liquid detergent composition then the an aqueous based heavy-duty liquid detergent composition typically further comprises:

-   -   A) from about 5% to about 70%, by weight of composition, of a         surfactant system;     -   B) from about 0.1 to about 8% of a co-surfactant composition         selected from the group consisting of alkyl polyhydroxy fatty         acid amide, alkyl amidopropyl dimethyl amine and mixtures         thereof, and     -   C) from about 30% to about 95%, of an aqueous liquid carrier.

It is also prefered that when the composition is an aqueous based heavy-duty liquid detergent composition that the composition further comprises conventional detergent additives selected from the group consisting of builders; bleaching compounds, such as bleach activators, preferably selected from (6-octanamido-caproyl) oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-nonanamidocaproyl) oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-decanamido-caproyl) oxybenzenesulfonate and mixtures thereof., bleach, bleach catalysts, etc.; polymeric dispersing agents; anti-redeposition agents polymeric soil release agents; enzymes; additional surfactants; and mixture thereof.

It is also prefered that when the composition is an aqueous based heavy-duty liquid detergent composition that the composition further comprises 6-nonylamino-6-oxoperoxycaproic acid.

It is also prefered that when the composition is an aqueous based heavy-duty liquid detergent composition that the surfactant system comprises at least one amine based surfactant of the general formula:

wherein R₁ is a C₆-C₁₂ alkyl group; n is from about 2 to about 4, X is a bridging group which can be absent; when X is present X is selected from NH, CONH, COO, and O; R₃ and R₄ are individually selected from H, C₁-C₄ alkyl and CH₂—CH₂—O(R₅) wherein R₅ is H or methyl.

These and other suitable carrier and other adjuncts ingredients, can be found in PCT/IB98/01584 filed Oct. 14, 1997, PCT/US98/21676 filed Oct. 14, 1997, and PCT/US98/21615 filed Oct. 14, 1997.

Non-Aqueous HDL Compositions

Non-aqueous Organic Diluents—When the compositions of the present invention are non-aqueous-HDL detergent compositions, the major component of the liquid phase of the non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions herein comprises one or more non-aqueous organic diluents. The non-aqueous organic diluents used in this invention may be either surface active, i.e., surfactant, liquids or non-aqueous, non-surfactant liquids referred to herein as non-aqueous solvents. The term “solvent” is used herein to connote the non-surfactant, non-aqueous liquid portion of the compositions herein. While some of the essential and/or optional components of the compositions herein may actually dissolve in the “solvent”-containing liquid phase, other components will be present as particulate material dispersed within the “solvent”-containing liquid phase. Thus the term “solvent” is not meant to require that the solvent material be capable of actually dissolving all of the detergent composition components added thereto.

The non-aqueous liquid diluent component will generally comprise from about 50% to 100%, more preferably from about 50% to 80%, most preferably from about 55% to 75%, of a structured, surfactant-containing liquid phase. Preferably the liquid phase of the compositions herein, i.e., the non-aqueous liquid diluent component, will comprise both non-aqueous liquid surfactants and non-surfactant non-aqueous solvents.

i) Non-Aqueous Surfactant Liquids

Suitable types of non-aqueous surfactant liquids which can be used to form the liquid phase of the non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions herein include the alkoxylated alcohols, ethylene oxide (EO)propylene oxide (PO) block polymers, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkylpolysaccharides, and the like. Such normally liquid surfactants are those having an HLB ranging from 10 to 16. Most preferred of the surfactant liquids are the alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactants.

The amount of total liquid surfactant in the preferred surfactant-structured, non-aqueous liquid phase herein will be determined by the type and amounts of other composition components and by the desired composition properties. Generally, the liquid surfactant can comprise from about 35% to 70% of the non-aqueous liquid phase of the compositions herein. More preferably, the liquid surfactant will comprise from about 50% to 65% of a non-aqueous structured liquid phase. This corresponds to a non-aqueous liquid surfactant concentration in the total composition of from about 15% to 70% by weight, more preferably from about 20% to 50% by weight, of the composition.

ii) Non-Surfactant Non-Aqueous Organic Solvents

The liquid phase of the non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions herein may also comprise one or more non-surfactant, non-aqueous organic solvents. Such non-surfactant non-aqueous liquids are preferably those of low polarity. For purposes of this invention, “low-polarity” liquids are those which have little, if any, tendency to dissolve one of the preferred types of particulate material used in the compositions herein, i.e., the peroxygen bleaching agents, sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate. Thus relatively polar solvents such as ethanol are preferably not utilized. Suitable types of low-polarity solvents useful in the non-aqueous liquid detergent compositions herein do include non-vicinal C4-C8 alkylene glycols, alkylene glycol mono lower alkyl ethers, lower molecular weight polyethylene glycols, lower molecular weight methyl esters and amides, and the like. For example, suitable low-polarity solvents include hexylene glycol, (4-methyl-2,4-pentanediol), 1,6-hexanediol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monobutyl ether, lower molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEGs), dipropolyene glycol monoethyl ether, and dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether. Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether and butoxy-propoxy-propanol (BPP) are especially preferred.

The non-aqueous, generally low-polarity, non-surfactant organic solvent(s) employed should, of course, be compatible and non-reactive with other composition components, e.g., bleach and/or activators, used in the liquid detergent compositions herein. Such a solvent component is preferably utilized in an amount of from about 1% to 70% by weight of the liquid phase. More preferably, a non-aqueous, low-polarity, non-surfactant solvent will comprise from about 10% to 60% by weight of a structured liquid phase, most preferably from about 20% to 50% by weight, of a structured liquid phase of the composition. Utilization of non-surfactant solvent in these concentrations in the liquid phase corresponds to a non-surfactant solvent concentration in the total composition of from about 1% to 50% by weight, more preferably from about 5% to 40% by weight, and most preferably from about 10% to 30% by weight, of the composition.

Surfactant Structurant—The non-aqueous liquid phase of the non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions of this invention is prepared by combining with the non-aqueous organic liquid diluents hereinbefore described a surfactant which is generally, but not necessarily, selected to add structure to the non-aqueous liquid phase of the detergent compositions herein. Structuring surfactants can be of the anionic, nonionic, cationic, and/or amphoteric types, such as thoses herein before described.

Preferred structuring surfactants are the anionic surfactants such as the alkyl sulfates (primary or secondary), such as the C₈-C₁₈ paraffin sulfonates and the C₈-C₁₈ olefin sulfonates, the alkyl polyalkxylate sulfates (also known as alkoxylated alkyl sulfates or alkyl ether sulfates), C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy carboxylates (especially the EO 1 to 5 ethoxycarboxylates) and the C₁₀-C₁₈ sarcosinates, especially oleoyl sarcosinate and the linear alkyl benzene sulfonates(LAS), with LAS being the most prefered sulfonated anionic surfactants.

Additional suitable surfactants for use in the present invention included nonionic surfactants, specifically, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides.

If utilized, alkyl sulfates will generally comprise from about 1% to 30% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 5% to 25% by weight of the composition. Non-aqueous liquid detergent compositions containing alkyl sulfates, peroxygen bleaching agents, and bleach activators are described in greater detail in Kong-Chan et al.; WO 96/10073; Publiched Apr. 4, 1996, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

If utilized, alkyl polyalkoxylate sulfates can also generally comprise from about 1% to 30% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 5% to 25% by weight of the composition. Non-aqueous liquid detergent compositions containing alkyl polyalkoxylate sulfates, in combination with polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, are described in greater detail in Boutique et al; PCT Application No. PCT/US96/04223, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

Preferred surfactants for use in the non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions described herein are amine based surfactants of the general formula:

wherein R₁ is a C₆-C₁₂ alkyl group; n is from about 2 to about 4, X is a bridging group which is selected from NH, CONH, COO, or O or X can be absent; and R₃ and R₄ are individually selected from H, C₁-C₄ alkyl, or (CH₂—CH₂—O(R₅)) wherein R₅ is H or methyl. Especially preferred amines based surfactants include the following: R₁—(CH₂)₂—NH₂, R₁—O—(CH₂)₃—NH₂ R₁—C(O)—NH—(CH₂)₃—N(CH₃)₂ (R₅CH(OH)CH₂)₂NR₁ wherein R₁ is a C₆-C₁₂ alkyl group and R₅ is H or CH₃. Particularly preferred amines for use in the surfactants defined above include those selected from the group consisting of octyl amine, hexyl amine, decyl amine, dodecyl amine, C₈-C₁₂ bis(hydroxyethyl)amine, C₈-C₁₂ bis(hydroxyisopropyl)amine, C₈-C₁₂ amido-propyl dimethyl amine, or mixtures thereof.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the amine based surfactant is described by the formula: R₁—C(O)—NH—(CH₂)₃—N(CH₃)₂ wherein R₁ is C₈-C₁₂ alkyl. Solid Particulate Materials—The non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions herein preferably comprise from about 0.01% to 50% by weight, more preferably from about 0.2% to 30% by weight, of solid phase particulate material which is dispersed and suspended within the liquid phase. Generally such particulate material will range in size from about 0.1 to 1500 microns, more preferably from about 0.1 to 900 microns. Most preferably, such material will range in size from about 5 to 200 microns.

The particulate material utilized herein can comprise one or more types of detergent composition components which in particulate form are substantially insoluble in the non-aqueous liquid phase of the composition. The types of particulate materials which can be utilized are described in detail as follows:

Peroxygen Bleaching Agent With Optional Bleach Activators—The most preferred type of particulate material useful in the non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions herein comprises particles of a peroxygen bleaching agent. Such peroxygen bleaching agents may be organic or inorganic in nature. Inorganic peroxygen bleaching agents are frequently utilized in combination with a bleach activator. Suitable peroxygen bleaching agents for use as particulate material in the non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions are hereinbefore described.

Especially suitable for then non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions herein are the amido-derived bleach activators are those of the formulae: R¹N(R⁵)C(O)R²C(O)L or R¹C(O)N(R⁵)R²C(O)L wherein R¹ is an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms, R² is an alkylene containing from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, R⁵ is H or alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl containing from about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, and L is any suitable leaving group, for example, oxybenzene sulfonate, —OOH, —OOM. A leaving group is any group that is displaced from the bleach activator as a consequence of the nucleophilic attack on the bleach activator by the perhydrolysis anion. A preferred leaving group is phenol sulfonate.

Preferred examples of bleach activators of the above formulae include (6-octanamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-nonanamidocaproyl) oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-decanamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate and mixtures thereof as described in the hereinbefore referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,551. Such mixtures are characterized herein as (6-C₈-C₁₀ alkamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate.

If peroxygen bleaching agents are used as all or part of the particulate material, they will generally comprise from about 0.1% to 30% by weight of the composition. More preferably, peroxygen bleaching agent will comprise from about 1% to 20% by weight of the composition. Most preferably, peroxygen bleaching agent will be present to the extent of from about 5% to 20% by weight of the composition. If utilized, bleach activators can comprise from about 0.5% to 20%, more preferably from about 3% to 10%, by weight of the composition. Frequently, activators are employed such that the molar ratio of bleaching agent to activator ranges from about 1:1 to 10:1, more preferably from about 1.5:1 to 5:1.

In addition, it has been found that bleach activators, when agglomerated with certain acids such as citric acid, are more chemically stable.

Organic Builder Material—Another possible type of particulate material which can be suspended in the non-aqueous liquid detergent compositions herein comprises an organic detergent builder material which serves to counteract the effects of calcium, or other ion, water hardness encountered during laundering/bleaching use of the compositions herein. Examples of such materials include the alkali metal, citrates, succinates, malonates, fatty acids, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates and polyacetyl carboxylates. Specific examples include sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids and citric acid. Other examples of organic phosphonate type sequestering agents such as those which have been sold by Monsanto under the Dequest tradename and alkanehydroxy phosphonates. Citrate salts are highly preferred.

If utilized as all or part of the particulate material, insoluble organic detergent builders can generally comprise from about 2% to 20% by weight of the compositions herein. More preferably, such builder material can comprise from about 4% to 10% by weight of the composition. Suitable builders for use as particulate material in the non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions are hereinbefore described.

Inorganic Alkalinity Sources—Another possible type of particulate material which can be suspended in the non-aqueous liquid detergent compositions herein can comprise a material which serves to render aqueous washing solutions formed from such compositions generally alkaline in nature. Such materials may or may not also act as detergent builders, i.e., as materials which counteract the adverse effect of water hardness on detergency performance.

Examples of suitable alkalinity sources include water-soluble alkali metal carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, silicates and metasilicates. Although not preferred for ecological reasons, water-soluble phosphate salts may also be utilized as alkalinity sources. These include alkali metal pyrophosphates, orthophosphates, polyphosphates and phosphonates. Of all of these alkalinity sources, alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate are the most preferred.

If utilized as all or part of the particulate material component, the alkalinity source will generally comprise from about 1% to 25% by weight of the compositions herein. More preferably, the alkalinity source can comprise from about 2% to 15% by weight of the composition. Such materials, while water-soluble, will generally be insoluble in the non-aqueous detergent compositions herein. Thus such materials will generally be dispersed in the non-aqueous liquid phase in the form of discrete particles. Suitable builders for use as particulate material in the non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions are hereinbefore described.

Colored Speckles—The non-aqueous HDL detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain from about 0.05% to 2%, more preferably 0.1% to 1%, of the composition of colored speckles. Such colored speckles themselves are combinations of a conventional dye or pigment material with a certain kind of carrier material that imparts specific characteristics to the speckles. For purposes of this invention, “colored” speckles are those which have a color that is visibly distinct from the color of the liquid detergent composition in which they are dispersed. Aqueous-HDL Compositions Surfactants—The present invention also comprises aqueous based HDL detergent compositions. The aqueous HDL detergent compositions preferably comprise from about 10% to about 98%, preferably from about 30% to about 95%, by weight of an aqueous liquid carrier which is preferably water. Additionally, the aqueous HDL detergent compositions of the present invention comprise a surfactant system which preferably contains one or more detersive surfactants. The surfactants can be selected from nonionic detersive surfactant, anionic detersive surfactant, zwitterionic detersive surfactant, amine oxide detersive surfactant, and mixtures thereof. The surfactant system typically comprises from about 5% to about 70%, preferably from about 15% to about 30%, by weight of the detergent composition. Suitable surfactants for use in the aqueous HDL detergent compositions are hereinbefore described. Builders

The aqueous HDL detergent compositions herein also optionally, but preferably, contain up to about 50%, more preferably from about 1% to about 40%, even more preferably from about 5% to about 30%, by weight of a detergent builder material. Lower or higher levels of builder, however, are not meant to be excluded. Suitable biuilders for use in the aqueous HDL detergent compositions are hereinbefore described.

Structure Elasticizing Agents

Both the non-aqueous and aqueous HDL detergent compositions herein can also contain from about 0.1% to 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to 2% by weight of a finely divided, solid particulate material which can include silica, e.g., fumed silica, titanium dioxide, insoluble carbonates, finely divided carbon or combinations of these materials. Fine particulate material of this type functions as a structure elasticizing agent in the products of this invention. Such material has an average particle size ranging from about 7 to 40 nanometers, more preferably from about 7 to 15 nanometers. Such material also has a specific surface area which ranges from about 40 to 400 m²/g.

The finely divided elasticizing agent material can improve the shipping stability of the non-aqueous liquid detergent products herein by increasing the elasticity of the surfactant-structured liquid phase without increasing product viscosity. This permits such products to withstand high frequency vibration which may be encountered during shipping without undergoing undesirable structure breakdown which could lead to sedimentation in the product.

In the case of titanium dioxide, the use of this material also imparts whiteness to the suspension of particulate material within the detergent compositions herein. This effect improves the overall appearance of the product.

Other Optional HDL Compositional Components

In addition to the liquid and solid phase components as hereinbefore described, the aqueous and non-aqueous based HDL detergent compositions can, and preferably will, contain various other optional components. Such optional components may be in either liquid or solid form. The optional components may either dissolve in the liquid phase or may be dispersed within the liquid phase in the form of fine particles or droplets. Some of the other materials which may optionally be utilized in the compositions herein include, but is not limited to, enzymes, inorganic builders, chelants, thickening, viscosity control and/or dispersing agents, clay soil removal/anti-redeposition agents, liquid bleach activators, bleach catalysts, perfume, brighteners, polymeric soil release agents and mixtures thereof.

Hard Surface Cleaning (HSC) Compositions

When the compositions of the present invention are hard surface cleaner composition of the present invention they may additionally contain a conventional surface cleansing additive. The conventional surface cleansing additive are present from about 0.001% to about 99.9% by weight. Preferably, conventional surface cleansing additive will be present from at least about 0.5%, more preferably, at least about 1%, even more preferably at least about 2%, by weight. Additionally, the conventional surface cleansing additives can also be present at least about 5%, at least about 8% and at least about 10%, by weight but it is more preferable that the conventional surface cleansing additive be present in at least about 2% by weight. Furthermore, the conventional surface cleansing additive will be preferably present in the hard surface composition at preferably at less than about 45%, more preferably less than about 40%, even more preferably less than about 35%, even more preferably less than about 30%, even more preferably less than about 20%, by weight. This conventional surface cleansing additive is selected from the group comprising, liquid carrier; surfactant; builder; solvent; polymeric additive; pH adjusting material; hydrotropes; and mixtures thereof.

The polymeric additives, useful in the HSC compositions of the present invention can be further selected from the group comprising

-   -   1) polyalkoxylene glycol;     -   2) PVP homopolymers or copolymers thereof;     -   3) polycarboxylate;     -   4) sulfonated polystyrene polymer; and     -   5) mixtures thereof.         Liquid Carrier—The balance of the HSC compositions can be water         and non-aqueous polar solvents with only minimal cleaning action         like methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, glycol         ethers having a hydrogen bonding parameter of greater than 7.7,         propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof, preferably isopropanol.         The level of non-aqueous polar solvent is usually greater when         more concentrated formulas are prepared. Typically, the level of         non-aqueous polar solvent is from about 0.5% to about 40%,         preferably from about 1% to about 10%, more preferably from         about 2% to about 8% (especially for “dilute” compositions) and         the level of aqueous liquid carrier is from about 50% to about         99%, preferably from about 75% to about 95%.         Surfactant—The hard surface cleaning compositions according to         the present invention contains at least one surfactants,         preferably selected from: anionic surfactants, cationic         surfactants; nonionic surfactants; amphoteric surfactants;         zwiterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. Surfactants         suitable for use in HSC compositions according to the present         invention have been herein before described.

The hard surface cleaning compositions of the present invention will preferably comprise from about 0.001% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of surfactants.

Builders—The level of builder can vary widely depending upon the end use of the composition and its desired physical form. When present, the HSC compositions will preferably comprise from about 0.001% to about 10%, more preferably 0.01% to about 7%, even more preferably 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition of a builder. Builders suitable for use in HSC compositions according to the present invention have been herein before described. Co-Solvents—Optionally, the HSC compositions of the present invention further comprise one or more co-solvents. The level of co-solvent, when present in the composition, is typically from about 0.001% to about 30%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more preferably from about 1% to about 5%. Co-solvents are broadly defined as compounds that are liquid at temperatures of 20° C.-25° C. and which are not considered to be surfactants. One of the distinguishing features is that co-solvents tend to exist as discrete entities rather than as broad mixtures of compounds. Some co-solvents which are useful in the hard surface cleaning compositions of the present invention contain from about 1 carbon atom to about 35 carbon atoms, and contain contiguous linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon moieties of no more than about 8 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable co-solvents for the present invention include, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, 2-methyl pyrrolidinone, benzyl alcohol and morpholine n-oxide. Preferred among these co-solvents are methanol and isopropanol.

The HSC compositions herein may additionally contain an alcohol having a hydrocarbon chain comprising 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 16. The hydrocarbon chain can be branched or linear, and can be mono, di or polyalcohols.

The co-solvents which can be used herein include all those known to the those skilled in the art of hard-surfaces cleaner compositions. Suitable co-solvents for use herein include ethers and diethers having from 4 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 8 to 10 carbon atoms, glycols or alkoxylated glycols, alkoxylated ar tic alcohols, aromatic alcohols, aliphatic branched alcohols, alkoxylated aliphatic branched alcohols, alkoxylated linear C1-C5 alcohols, linear C1-C5 alcohols, C8-C14 alkyl and cycloalkyl hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons, C6-C16 glycol ethers and mixtures thereof.

Polymeric additives—The hard surface cleaning compositions of the present invention may comprise from about 0.001% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, and even more preferably from about 0.1% to about 3% of a polymeric additive. Suitable polymeric additives include:

-   -   1) polyalkoxylene glycol;     -   2) PVP homopolymers or copolymers thereof;     -   3) polycarboxylate;     -   4) sulfonated polystyrene polymer; and     -   5) mixtures thereof.         1) Polyalkoxylene Glycol—The HSC compositions according to the         present invention may contain an antiresoiling agent selected         from the group consisting of polyalkoxylene glycol, mono- and         dicapped polyalkoxylene glycol and a mixture thereof. The         compositions of the present invention may comprise from 0.001%         to 20% by weight of the total composition of said antiresoiling         agent or a mixture thereof, preferably from 0.01% to 10%, more         preferably from 0.1% to 5% and most preferably from 0.2% to 2%         by weight, when such an agent is present in the hard surface         cleaning composition.         2) PVP homopolymers or copolymers thereof—The hard surface         cleaning compositions according to the present invention may         contain a vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer or copolymer or a mixture         thereof. The compositions of the present invention comprise from         0.001% to 20% by weight of the total composition of a         vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer or copolymer or a mixture thereof,         preferably from 0.01% to 10%, more preferably from 0.1% to 5%         and most preferably from 0.2% to 2%, when PVP homopolymers or         copolymers are present.

Suitable vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers which can be used herein is an homopolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone having the following repeating monomer:

wherein n (degree of polymerization) is an integer of from 10 to 1,000,000, preferably from 20 to 100,000, and more preferably from 20 to 10,000.

Accordingly, suitable vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers (“PVP”) which can be used herein have an average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 100,000,000, preferably from 2,000 to 10,000,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 1,000,000, and most preferably from 50,000 to 500,000 Y.

Suitable vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers are commercially available from ISP Corporation, New York, N.Y. and Montreal, Canada under the product names PVP K-15® (viscosity molecular weight of 10,000), PVP K-30® (average molecular weight of 40,000), PVP K-60® (average molecular weight of 160,000), and PVP K-90® (average molecular weight of 360,000). Other suitable vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers which are commercially available from BASF Cooperation include Sokalan HP 165® (and Sokalan HP 12®; vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers known to persons skilled in the detergent field (see for example EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696).

Suitable copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone which can be used herein include copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and alkylenically unsaturated monomers or mixtures thereof.

3) Polycarboxylate—The hard surface cleaning composition of the present invention may optionally contain a polycarboxylate polymer. When present the polycarboxylate polymer will be preferably from about 0.001% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, even more preferably about 0.1% to 2.5%, by weight of composition.

Polycarboxylate polymers can be those formed by polymerization of monomers, at least some of which contain carboxylic functionality. Common monomers include acrylic acid, maleic acid, ethylene, vinyl pyrrollidone, methacrylic acid, methacryloylethylbetaine, etc. In general, the polymers should have molecular weights of more than 10,000, preferably more than about 20,000, more preferably more than about 300,000, and even more preferably more than about 400,000. It has also been found that higher molecular weight polymers, e.g., those having molecular weights of more than about 3,000,000, are extremely difficult to formulate and are less effective in providing anti-spotting benefits than lower molecular weight polymers. Accordingly, the molecular weight should normally be, especially for polyacrylates, from about 20,000 to about 3,000,000; preferably from about 20,000 to about 2,500,000; more preferably from about 300,000 to about 2,000,000; and even more preferably from about 400,000 to about 1,500,000.

4) Sulfonated Polystyrene Polymer—Another suitable materials which can be included in to the hard surface cleaning composition of the invention are high molecular weight sulfonated polymers such as sulfonated polystyrene. A typical formula is as follows. —[CH(C₆H₄SO₃Na)—CH₂]_(n)—CH(C₆H₅)—CH₂— wherein n is a number to give the appropriate molecular weight as disclosed below.

Typical molecular weights are from about 10,000 to about 1,000,000, preferably from about 200,000 to about 700,00.

Examples of suitable materials for use herein include poly(vinyl pyrrolidone/acrylic acid) sold under the name “Acrylidone”® by ISP and poly(acrylic acid) sold under the name “Accumer”® by Rohm & Haas. Other suitable materials include sulfonated polystyrene polymers sold under the name Versaflex® sold by National Starch and Chemical Company, especially Versaflex 7000.

The level of polymer should normally be, when polymer is present in the hard surface cleaning composition, from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.3%.

Optional Components

The hard surface cleaning compositions of the present invention may further comprise one or more optional components known for use in hard surface cleaning compositions provided that the optional components are physically and chemically compatible with the essential component described herein, or do not otherwise unduly impair product stability, aesthetics or performance. Concentrations of such optional components typically range from about 0.001% to about 30% by weight of the hard surface cleaning compositions, when present.

Optional components include, but not limited to, chelants, bleaches (including oxygen, chlorine and redox), dyes, perfumes, and mixtures thereof. This list of optional components is not meant to be exclusive, and other optional components can be used. Other suitable optional ingredients can be found in PCT/US98/21615 filed Oct. 14, 1997.

Personal Cleansing Compositions

The compositions of the present invention may also be a personal cleansing composition. That is a composition for direct application to a persons, skin, hair etc. Examples of personal cleansing compositions includes, but is not limited to, body washes, facial scrubs, shampoos, conditions, medicated shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos, so-called 2-in-shampoo and conditiones, toilet bars, hand soap (including liquid or bar), deoderant soap, and the like.

The conventional personal cleansing composition of the present invention additionally contains a conventional personal cleansing additive. The conventional personal cleansing additive are present from about 0.001% to about 49.9% by weight. Preferably, the conventional personal cleansing additive will be present from at least about 0.5%, more preferably, at least about 1%, even more preferably at least about 2%, by weight. Additionaly, the conventional personal cleansing additives can also be present at least about 5%, at least about 8% and at least about 10%, by weight but it is more preferable that the conventional personal cleansing additive be present in at least about 2% by weight. Furthermore, the conventional personal cleansing additive will be preferably present in the personal cleansing composition at preferably at less than about 45%, more preferably less than about 40%, even more preferably less than about 35%, even more preferably less than about 30%, even more preferably less than about 20%, by weight. This conventional personal cleansing additive is selected from the group comprising;

-   -   a) conditioning agent;     -   b) conventional personal care polymer;     -   c) antidandruff agent;     -   d) cosurfactant; and     -   e) mixtures thereof.

These conventional personal cleansing additives are just some of the possible ingredients which can be conventionally added to personal cleansing compositions.

The conditioning agents, (a), useful in the present invention can be further selected from the group comprising

-   -   1) non-volatile hydrocarbons conditioning agents;     -   2) silicone conditioning agents; and     -   3) mixtures thereof.

The conventional personal care polymers, (b), useful in the present invention can be further selected from the group comprising

-   -   i) deposition polymers;     -   ii) styling polymers and solvent;     -   iii) dispersed phase polymers; and     -   iv) mixtures thereof.         a) Conditioning Agent

The personal cleansing compositions of the present invention comprise from about 0.005% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, and even more preferably from about 0.5% to about 3% of dispersed particles of a nonvolatile hair or skin conditioning agent. Suitable hair or skin conditioning agents include nonvolatile silicone conditioning agents, nonvolatile hydrocarbon conditioning agents, and mixtures thereof.

As used herein, average particle size of the conditioning agent particles may be measured within the personal cleansing compositions by light scattering methods well known in the art for determining average particle size for emulsified liquids. One such method involves the use of a Horiba LA-910 particle size analyzer.

For more information and additional examples of conditioning agents see copending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 08/733,046, filed on Oct. 16, 1996 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/738,156, filed on Oct. 25, 1996. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,855. All three of these references are incorporated herein by reference.

1) Nonvolatile Silicone Conditioning Agents Preferred conditioning agents useful herein include nonvolatile, dispersed silicone conditioning agents. By nonvolatile is meant that the silicone conditioning agent exhibits very low or no significant vapor pressure at ambient conditions, e.g., 1 atmosphere at 25° C. The nonvolatile silicone conditioning agent preferably has a boiling point at ambient pressure of above about 250° C., preferably of above about 260° C., and more preferably of above about 275° C. By dispersed is meant that the conditioning agent forms a separate, discontinuous phase from the aqueous carrier such as in the form of an emulsion or a suspension of droplets.

The nonvolatile silicone hair conditioning agents suitable for use herein preferably have a viscosity of from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000 centistokes at 25° C., more preferably from about 10,000 to about 1,800,000, and even more preferably from about 100,000 to about 1,500,000. The viscosity can be measured by means of a glass capillary viscometer as set forth in Dow Corning Corporate Test Method CTM0004, Jul. 20, 1970, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Suitable silicone fluids include polyalkyl siloxanes, polyaryl siloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Other nonvolatile silicones having hair conditioning properties can also be used.

The silicones herein also include polyalkyl or polyaryl siloxanes with the following structure:

wherein R is alkyl or aryl, and x is an integer from about 7 to about 8,000. “A” represents groups which block the ends of the silicone chains. The alkyl or aryl groups substituted on the siloxane chain (R) or at the ends of the siloxane chains (A) can have any structure as long as the resulting silicone remains fluid at room temperature, is dispersible, is neither irritating, toxic nor otherwise harmful when applied to the hair, is compatible with the other components of the composition, is chemically stable under normal use and storage conditions, and is capable of being deposited on and conditions the hair. Suitable A groups include hydroxy, methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, and aryloxy. The two R groups on the silicon atom may represent the same group or different groups. Preferably, the two R groups represent the same group. Suitable R groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, phenyl, methylphenyl and phenylmethyl. The preferred silicones are polydimethyl siloxane, polydiethylsiloxane, and polymethylphenylsiloxane. Polydimethylsiloxane, which is also known as dimethicone, is especially preferred. The polyalkylsiloxanes that can be used include, for example, polydimethylsiloxanes. These silicones are available, for example, from the General Electric Company in their Viscasil® and SF 96 series, and from Dow Corning in their Dow Corning 200 series.

Polyalkylaryl siloxane fluids can also be used and include, for example, polymethylphenylsiloxanes. These siloxanes are available, for example, from the General Electric Company as SF 1075 methyl phenyl fluid or from Dow Corning as 556 Cosmetic Grade Fluid.

Especially preferred, for enhancing the shine characteristics of hair, are highly arylated silicones, such as highly phenylated polyethyl silicone having refractive indices of about 1.46 or higher, especially about 1.52 or higher. When these high refractive index silicones are used, they should be mixed with a spreading agent, such as a surfactant or a silicone resin, as described below to decrease the surface tension and enhance the film forming ability of the material.

The silicones that can be used include, for example, a polypropylene oxide modified polydimethylsiloxane although ethylene oxide or mixtures of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide can also be used. The ethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide level should be sufficiently low so as not to interfere with the dispersibility characteristics of the silicone. These material are also known as dimethicone copolyols.

Other silicones include amino substituted materials. Suitable alkylamino substituted silicones include those represented by the following structure (II)

wherein x and y are integers which depend on the molecular weight, the average molecular weight being approximately between 5,000 and 10,000. This polymer is also known as “amodimethicone”.

Suitable cationic silicone fluids include those represented by the formula (III)

(R₁)_(a)G_(3-a)—Si—(—OSiG₂)_(n)—(—OSiG_(b)(R₁)_(2-b)m)—O—SiG_(3-a)(R₁)_(a) in which G is chosen from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, OH, C₁-C₈ alkyl and preferably methyl; a denotes 0 or an integer from 1 to 3, and preferably equals 0; b denotes 0 or 1 and preferably equals 1; the sum n+m is a number from 1 to 2,000 and preferably from 50 to 150, n being able to denote a number from 0 to 1,999 and preferably from 49 to 149 and m being able to denote an integer from 1 to 2,000 and preferably from 1 to 10; R₁ is a monovalent radical of formula C_(q)H_(2q)L in which q is an integer from 2 to 8 and L is chosen from the groups

-   -   —N(R₂)CH₂—CH₂—N(R₂)₂     -   —N(R₂)₂     -   —N(R₂)₃A⁻     -   —N(R₂)CH₂—CH₂—NR₂H₂A⁻         in which R₂ is chosen from the group consisting of hydrogen,         phenyl, benzyl, a saturated hydrocarbon radical, preferably an         alkyl radical containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and A⁻         denotes a halide ion.

An especially preferred cationic silicone corresponding to formula (III) is the polymer known as “trimethylsilylamodimethicone”, of formula (IV):

In this formula n and m are selected depending on the exact molecular weight of the compound desired.

Other silicone cationic polymers which can be used in the personal cleansing compositions are represented by the formula (V):

where R³ denotes a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl or alkenyl radical such as methyl; R₄ denotes a hydrocarbon radical, preferably a C₁-C₁₈ alkylene radical or a C₁-C₁₈, and more preferably C₁-C₈, alkyleneoxy radical; Q⁻ is a halide ion, preferably chloride; r denotes an average statistical value from 2 to 20, preferably from 2 to 8; s denotes an average statistical value from 20 to 200, and preferably from 20 to 50. A preferred polymer of this class is available from Union Carbide under the name “UCAR SILICONE ALE 56.”

References disclosing suitable silicones include U.S. Pat. No. 2,826,551, to Geen; U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,500, to Drakoff, issued Jun. 22, 1976; U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,837, to Pader; and British Patent No. 849,433, to Woolston, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety is “Silicon Compounds” distributed by Petrarch Systems, Inc., 1984. This reference provides an extensive, though not exclusive, listing of suitable silicones.

Another silicone hair conditioning material that can be especially useful is a silicone gum. The term “silicone gum”, as used herein, means a polyorganosiloxane material having a viscosity at 25° C. of greater than or equal to 1,000,000 centistokes. It is recognized that the silicone gums described herein can also have some overlap with the above-disclosed silicones. This overlap is not intended as a limitation on any of these materials. Silicone gums are described by Petrarch, Id., and others including U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,416, to Spitzer et al., issued May 1, 1979 and Noll, Walter, Chemistry and Technology of Silicones, New York: Academic Press 1968. Also describing silicone gums are General Electric Silicone Rubber Product Data Sheets SE 30, SE 33, SE 54 and SE 76. All of these described references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The “silicone gums” will typically have a mass molecular weight in excess of about 200,000, generally between about 200,000 and about 1,000,000. Specific examples include polydimethylsiloxane, (polydimethylsiloxane) (methylvinylsiloxane) copolymer, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (diphenyl siloxane)(methylvinylsiloxane) copolymer and mixtures thereof.

Also useful are silicone resins, which are highly crosslinked polymeric siloxane systems. The crosslinking is introduced through the incorporation of trifunctional and tetrafunctional silanes with monofunctional or difunctional, or both, silanes during manufacture of the silicone resin. As is well understood in the art, the degree of crosslinking that is required in order to result in a silicone resin will vary according to the specific silane units incorporated into the silicone resin. In general, silicone materials which have a sufficient level of trifunctional and tetrafunctional siloxane monomer units, and hence, a sufficient level of crosslinking, such that they dry down to a rigifd, or hard, film are considered to be silicone resins. The ratio of oxygen atoms to silicon atoms is indicative of the level of crosslinking in a particular silicone material. Silicone materials which have at least about 1.1 oxygen atoms per silicon atom will generally be silicone resins herein. Preferably, the ratio of oxygen:silicon atoms is at least about 1.2:1.0. Silanes used in the manufacture of silicone resins include monomethyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-, monophenyl-, diphenyl-, methylphenyl-, monovinyl-, and methylvinyl-chlorosilanes, and tetrachlorosilane, with the methyl-substituted silanes being most commonly utilized. Preferred resins are offered by General Electric as GE SS4230 and SS4267. Commercially available silicone resins will generally be supplied in a dissolved form in a low viscosity volatile or nonvolatile silicone fluid. The silicone resins for use herein should be supplied and incorporated into the present compositions in such dissolved form, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the silicone resins can enhance deposition of other silicones on the hair and can enhance the glossiness of hair with high refractive index volumes.

Other useful silicone resins are silicone resin powders such as the material given the CTFA designation polymethylsilsequioxane, which is commercially available as Tospearl™ from Toshiba Silicones.

Background material on silicones, including sections discussing silicone fluids, gums, and resins, as well as the manufacture of silicones, can be found in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Volume 15, Second Edition, pp 204-308, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1989, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Silicone materials and silicone resins in particular, can conveniently be identified according to a shorthand nomenclature system well known to those skilled in the art as the “MDTQ” nomenclature. Under this system, the silicone is described according to the presence of various siloxane monomer units which make up the silicone. Briefly, the symbol M denotes the monofunctional unit (CH₃)₃SiO_(0.5); D denotes the difunctional unit (CH₃)₂SiO; T denotes the trifunctional unit (CH₃)SiO_(1.5); and Q denotes the quadri- or tetra-functional unit SiO₂. Primes of the unit symbols, e.g., M′, D′, T′, and Q′ denote substituents other than methyl, and must be specifically defined for each occurrence. Typical alternate substituents include groups such as vinyl, phenyl, amino, hydroxyl, etc. The molar ratios of the various units, either in terms of subscripts to the symbols indicating the total number of each type of unit in the silicone, or an average thereof, or as specifically indicated ratios in combination with molecular weight, complete the description of the silicone material under the MDTQ system. Higher relative molar amounts of T, Q, T′ and/or Q′ to D, D′, M and/or or M′ in a silicone resin is indicative of higher levels of crosslinking. As discussed before, however, the overall level of crosslinking can also be indicated by the oxygen to silicon ratio.

The silicone resins for use herein which are preferred are MQ, MT, MTQ, MQ and MDTQ resins. Thus, the preferred silicone substituent is methyl. Especially preferred are MQ resins wherein the M:Q ratio is from about 0.5:1.0 to about 1.5:1b and the average molecular weight of the resin is from about 1000 to about 10,000.

2) Nonvolatile Hydrocarbon Conditioning Agents Other suitable hair conditioning agents suitable for use in the personal cleansing composition include nonvolatile organic conditioning agents. Suitable nonvolatile organic conditioning agents for use in the composition are those conditioning agents that are known or otherwise effective for use as hair or skin conditioning agent.

The nonvolatile hydrocarbons for use in the personal cleansing composition may be saturated or unsaturated, and may be straight, cyclic or branched chain. By nonvolatile is meant that the hydrocarbon conditioning agent exhibits very low or no significant vapor pressure at ambient conditions, e.g., 1 atmosphere at 25° C. The nonvolatile hydrocarbon agent preferably has a boiling point at ambient pressure of above about 250° C., preferably above about 260° C., and more preferably of above about 275° C. The nonvolatile hydrocarbons preferably have from about 12 to about 40 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 12 to about 30 carbon atoms, and most preferably from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms. Also encompassed herein are polymeric hydrocarbons of alkenyl monomers, such as polymers of C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl monomers, including 1-alkenyl monomers such as polyalphaolefin monomers. These polymers can be straight or branched chain polymers. The straight chain polymers will typically be relatively short in length, having a total number of carbon atoms as described above in this paragraph. The branched chain polymers can have substantially higher chain lengths. Also useful herein are the various grades of mineral oils. Mineral oils are liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons that are obtained from petroleum.

Specific examples of suitable nonvolatile hydrocarbons include, but are not limited to, paraffin oil, mineral oil, dodecane, isododecane, hexadecane, isohexadecane, eicosene, isoeicosene, tridecane, triglyceride oils, tetradecane, polyoctene, polydecene, polydodecene, products of polymerization of mixtures of C₂₋₁₂ monomers, for example the polymer produced by the polymerization of polyoctene, polydecene and polydodecene, and mixtures thereof. Isododecane, isohexadeance, and isoeicosene are commercially available as Permethyl 99A, Permethyl 101A, and Permethyl 1082, from Presperse, South Plainfield, N.J. A copolymer of isobutene and normal butene is commercially available as Indopol H-100 from Amoco Chemicals. Preferred among these hydrocarbons are mineral oil, isododecane, isohexadecane, polybutene, polyisobutene, and mixtures thereof.

Optional Suspending Agent The personal cleansing compositions of the present invention may further comprise a suspending agent at concentrations effective for suspending the optional conditioning agent, or other water-insoluble material, in dispersed form in the personal cleansing compositions. Such concentrations range from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 5.0%, by weight of the personal cleansing compositions.

Optional suspending agents include crystalline suspending agents that can be categorized as acyl derivatives, long chain amine oxides, or combinations thereof, concentrations of which range from about 0.3% to about 5.0%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 3.0%, by weight of the personal cleansing compositions. When used in the personal cleansing compositions, these suspending agents are present in crystalline form. These suspending agents are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,855, which description is incorporated herein by reference. These preferred suspending agents include ethylene glycol esters of fatty acids preferably having from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms. More preferred are the ethylene glycol stearates, both mono and distearate, but particularly the distearate containing less than about 7% of the mono stearate. Other suitable suspending agents include alkanol amides of fatty acids, preferably having from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms, more preferably about 16 to 18 carbon atoms, preferred examples of which include stearic monoethanolamide, stearic diethanolamide, stearic monoisopropanolamide and stearic monoethanolamide stearate. Other long chain acyl derivatives include long chain esters of long chain fatty acids (e.g., stearyl stearate, cetyl palmitate, etc.); glyceryl esters (e.g., glyceryl distearate) and long chain esters of long chain alkanol amides (e.g., stearamide diethanolamide distearate, stearamide monoethanolamide stearate). Long chain acyl derivatives, ethylene glycol esters of long chain carboxylic acids, long chain amine oxides, and alkanol amides of long chain carboxylic acids in addition to the preferred materials listed above may be used as suspending agents. For example, it is contemplated that suspending agents with long chain hydrocarbyls having C₈-C₂₂ chains may be used.

Other long chain acyl derivatives suitable for use as suspending agents include N,N-dihydrocarbyl amido benzoic acid and soluble salts thereof (e.g., Na, K), particularly N,N-di(hydrogenated) C₁₆, C₁₈ and tallow amido benzoic acid species of this family, which are commercially available from Stepan Company (Northfield, Ill., USA).

Examples of suitable long chain amine oxides for use as suspending agents include alkyl (C₁₆-C₂₂) dimethyl amine oxides, e.g., stearyl dimethyl amine oxide.

Other suitable suspending agents include xanthan gum at concentrations ranging from about 0.3% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.4% to about 1.2%, by weight of the personal cleansing compositions. The use of xanthan gum as a suspending agent in silicone containing personal cleansing compositions is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,006, which description is incorporated herein by reference. Combinations of long chain acyl derivatives and xanthan gum may also be used as a suspending agent in the personal cleansing compositions. Such combinations are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,272, which description is incorporated herein by reference.

Other suitable suspending agents include carboxyvinyl polymers. Preferred among these polymers are the copolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with polyallylsucrose as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,798,053, which description is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of these polymers include Carbopol 934, 940, 941, and 956, available from B. F. Goodrich Company.

Other suitable suspending agents include primary amines having a fatty alkyl moiety having at least about 16 carbon atoms, examples of which include palmitamine or stearamine, and secondary amines having two fatty alkyl moieties each having at least about 12 carbon atoms, examples of which include dipalmitoylamine or di(hydrogenated tallow)amine. Still other suitable suspending agents include di(hydrogenated tallow)phthalic acid amide, and crosslinked maleic anhydride-methyl vinyl ether copolymer.

Other suitable suspending agents may be used in the personal cleansing compositions, including those that can impart a gel-like viscosity to the composition, such as water soluble or colloidally water soluble polymers like cellulose ethers (e.g., methylcellulose, hydroxybutyl methylcellulose, hyroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose and hydorxethylcellulose), guar gum, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl guar gum, starch and starch derivatives, and other thickeners, viscosity modifiers, gelling agents, etc. Mixtures of these materials can also be used.

b) Conventional Personal Care Polymer:

The personal cleansing compositions of the present invention comprise from about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, and even more preferably from about 0.1% to about 3% of a conventional personal care polymer. Suitable conventional personal care polymers include:

-   -   i) deposition polymers;     -   ii) styling polymers and solvent;     -   iii) dispersed phase polymers; and     -   iv) mixtures thereof.         i) Deposition Polymer

The personal cleansing compositions of the present invention can additionally comprise an organic deposition polymer as a deposition aid. It can be present at levels of from about 0.01 to about 5%, preferably from about 0.05 to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.08% to about 0.5% by weight. The polymer may be a homopolymer or be formed from two or more types of monomers. The molecular weight of the polymer will generally be between about 25,000 and about 10,000,000, preferably between about 100,000 and about 5,000,000, more preferably in the range between about 300,000 to about 3,000,000 and most preferably from about 500,000 to about 2,000,000. Preferably the deposition polymer is a cationic polymer and preferably will have cationic nitrogen containing groups such as quaternary ammonium or protonated amino groups, or a mixture thereof. It is preferred that when the deposition polymer is present there is additionally present in the composition a hair conditioning agent, antidandruff agent, styling polymer or mixtures thereof, all of which are defined hereafter. Alternatively the deposition polymer can be used independantly, that is on its own, in the personal cleansing composition.

See copending U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 07/960,473, 08/738,156, filed on Oct. 25, 1996, 60/053,319, filed on Jul. 21, 1997, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, for exemplification of deposition polymers.

The cationic charge density has been found to need to be at least 0.1 meq/g, preferably above 0.5 and most preferably above 0.8 or higher. The cationic charge density should not exceed 5 meq/g, it is preferably less than 3 and more preferably less than 2 meq/g. The charge density can be measured using the Kjeldahl method and should be within the above limits at the desired pH of use, which will in general be from about 3 to 9 and preferably between 4 and 8.

The concentration of the deposition polymer in the personal cleansing when it is a cationic polymer is preferably from about 0.025% to about 3%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 2%, even more preferably from about 0.1% to about 1%, by weight of the personal cleansing composition.

Any anionic counterions can be use in association with the cationic polymers so long as the polymers remain soluble in water, in the personal cleansing composition, or in a coacervate phase of the personal cleansing composition, and so long as the counterions are physically and chemically compatible with the essential components of the personal cleansing composition or do not otherwise unduly impair product performance, stability or aesthetics. Non limiting examples of such counterions include halides (e.g., chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine), sulfate and methylsulfate.

The cationic nitrogen-containing moiety of the cationic polymer is generally present as a substituent on all, or more typically on some, of the monomer units thereof. Thus, the cationic polymer for use in the personal cleansing composition includes homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, and so forth, of quaternary ammonium or cationic amine-substituted monomer units, optionally in combination with non-cationic monomers referred to herein as spacer monomers. Non limiting examples of such polymers are described in the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 3rd edition, edited by Estrin, Crosley, and Haynes, (The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, Inc., Washington, D.C. (1982)), which description is incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable cationic polymers include, for example, copolymers of vinyl monomers having cationic amine or quaternary ammonium functionalities with water soluble spacer monomers such as (meth)acrylamide, alkyl and dialkyl (meth)acrylamides, alkyl (meth)acrylate, vinyl caprolactone and vinyl pyrrolidine. The alkyl and dialkyl substituted monomers preferably have C1-C7 alkyl groups, more preferably C1-C3 alkyl groups. Other suitable spacers include vinyl esters, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

The cationic amines can be primary, secondary or tertiary amines, depending upon the particular species and the pH of the personal cleansing. In general secondary and tertiary amines, especially tertiary, are preferred.

Amines substituted vinyl monomers and amines can be polymerized in the amine form and then converted to ammonium by quaternization.

Suitable cationic amino and quaternary ammonium monomers include, for example, vinyl compounds substituted with dialkyl aminoalkyl acrylate, dialkylamino alkylmethacrylate, monoalkylaminoalkyl acrylate, monoalkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, trialkyl methacryloxyalkyl ammonium salt, trialkyl acryloxyalkyl ammonium sale, diallyl quaternary ammonium salts, and vinyl quaternary ammonium monomers having cyclic cationic nitrogen-containing rings such as pyridinium, imidazolium, and quaternized pyrrolidine, e.g., alkyl vinyl imidazolium, and quaternized pyrrolidine, e.g., alkyl vinyl imidazolium, alkyl vinyl pyridinium, alkyl vinyl pyrrolidine salts. The alkyl portions of these monomers are preferably lower alkyls such as the C₁-C₃ alkyls, more preferably C₁ and C₂ alkyls.

Suitable amine-substituted vinyl monomers for use herein include dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, and dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylamide, wherein the alkyl groups are preferably C₁-C₇ hydrocarbyls, more preferably C₁-C₃ alkyls.

The cationic polymers hereof can comprise mixtures of monomer units derived from amine-and/or quaternary ammonium-substituted monomer and/or compatible spacer monomers.

Suitable cationic deposition polymers include, for example: copolymers of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidine and 1-vinyl-3-methyl-imidazolium salt (e.g., Chloride salt) (referred to in the industry by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, “CTFA” as Polyquaternium-16) such as those commercially available from BASF Wyandotte Corp. (Parsippany, N.J., USA) under the LUVIQUAT tradename (e.g., LUVIQUAT FC 370); copolymers of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidine and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (referred to in the industry by CTFA and Polyquaternium-11) such as those commercially from ISP Corporation (Wayne, N.J., USA) under the GAFQUAT tradename (e.g., GAFQAT 755N); cationic diallyl quaternary ammonium-containing polymers including, for example, dimethyldiallyammonium chloride homopolymer and copolymers of acrylamide and dimethyldiallyammonium chloride, referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 6 and Polyquaternium 7, respectively; and mineral acid salts of amino-alkyl esters of homo-and co-polymers of unsaturated carboxylic acids having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,009,256, incorporated herein by reference.

Other cationic polymers that can be used include polysaccharide polymers, such as cationic cellulose derivatives and cationic starch derivatives. Cationic polysaccharide polymer materials suitable for use herein include those of the formula:

wherein: A is an anhydroglucose residual group, such as starch or cellulose anhydroglucose residual, R is an alkylene oxyalklene, polyoxyalkylene, or hydroxyalkylene group, or combination thereof, R¹, R² and R³ independently are alkyl; aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, or alkoxyaryl groups, each group containing up to about 18 carbon atoms, and the total number of carbon atoms for each cationic moiety (i.e., the sum of carbon atoms in R¹, R² and R³) preferably being about 20 or less, and X is an anionic counterion, as previously described.

Cationic cellulose is available from Amerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA) in their Polymer JR (trademark) and LR (trade mark) series of polymers, as salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with trimethyl ammonium substituted epoxide, referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 10. Another type of cationic cellulose includes the polymeric quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with lauryl dimethyl ammonium-substituted epoxide, referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 24. These materials are available from Amerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA) under the tradename Polymer LM-200.

Other cationic polymers that can be used include cationic guar gum derivatives, such as guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (commercially available from Celanese Corp. in their Jaguar trade mark series). Other materials include quaternary nitrogen-containing cellulose ethers (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,962,418, incorporated by reference herein), and copolymers of etherified cellulose and starch (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,581, incorporated by reference herein).

The deposition polymer does not have to be soluble in the personal cleansing composition. Preferably, however, the cationic polymer is either soluble in the personal cleansing composition, or in a complex coacervate phase in the personal cleansing composition formed by the cationic polymer and anionic material. Complex coacervates of the cationic polymer can be formed with anionic surfactants or with anionic polymers that can optionally be added to the composition hereof (e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate).

Coacervate formation is dependent upon a variety of criteria such as molecular weight, concentration, and ratio of interacting ionic materials, ionic strength (including modification of ionic strength, for example, by addition of salts), charge density of the cationic and anionic species, pH, and temperature. Coacervate systems and the effect of these parameters have been described, for example, by J. Caelles, et al., “Anionic and Cationic Compounds in Mixed Systems”, Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 106, April 1991, pp 49-54, C. J. van Oss, “Coacervation, Complex-Coacervation and Flocculation”, J. Dispersion Science and Technology, Vol. 9 (5,6), 1988-89, pp 561-573, and D. J. Burgess, “Practical Analysis of Complex Coacervate Systems”, J of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol. 140, No. 1, November 1990, pp 227-238, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

It is believe to be particularly advantageous for the cationic polymer to be present in the personal cleansing in a coacervate phase, or to form a coacervate phase upon application or rinsing of the personal cleansing to or from the hair. Complex coacervates are believed to more readily deposit on the hair. Thus, in general, it is preferred that the cationic polymer exist in the personal cleansing as a coacervate phase or form a coacervate phase upon dilution. If not already a coacervate in the personal cleansing, the cationic polymer will preferably exist in a complex coacervate form in the personal cleansing upon dilution with water to a water:personal cleansing composition rate ratio of about 20:1, more preferably at about 10:1, even more preferably at about 8:1.

Techniques for analysis of formation of complex coacervates are known in the art. For example, microscopic analyses of the personal cleansing compositions, at any chosen stage of dilution, can be utilized to identify whether a coacervate phase has formed. Such coacervate phase will be identifiable as an additional emulsified phase in the composition. The use of dyes can aid in distinguishing the coacervate phase from other insoluble phase dispersed in the composition.

Preferably the deposition polymer is selected from the group comprising cationic hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers and cationic guar derivatives. Particularly preferred deposition polymers are Jaguar C13S, Jaguar C15, Jaguar C17 and Jaguar C16 and Jaguar C162. Other preferred cationic cellulose ethers include Polymer JR400, JR30M and JR125.

Surfactant soluble Conditioning Oil The shampoo compositions of the present invention may additionally comprise a low viscosity, surfactant soluble conditioning oil which is solubilized in the surfactant component as an additional hair conditioning agent for use in combination with the cationic hair conditioning polymer described hereinbefore. The concentration of the low viscosity, surfactant soluble oil ranges from about 0.05% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.08% to about 1.5%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 1%, by weight of the shampoo composition.

The low viscosity, surfactant soluble, conditioning oils are water insoluble, water dispersible, liquids selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon oils and fatty esters, or combinations thereof, wherein the surfactant soluble conditioning oil has a viscosity of from about 1 to about 300 centipoise, preferably from about 1 to about 150 centipoise, more preferably from about 2 to about 50 centipoise, as measured at 40° C. according to ASTM D-445.

It has been found that these low viscosity surfactant soluble conditioning oils provide the shampoo composition with improved conditioning performance when used in combination with the deposition polymers described herein. These surfactant soluble conditioning oils are believed to be solubilized in the surfactant micelles of the shampoo composition. It is also believed that this solubilization into the surfactant micelles contributes to the improved hair conditioning performance of the shampoo compositions herein.

Suitable surfactant soluble conditioning oils for use in the shampoo composition include hydrocarbon oils having at least about 10 carbon atoms, such as cyclic hydrocarbons, straight chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (saturated or unsaturated), and branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (saturated or unsaturated), including polymers thereof. Straight chain hydrocarbon oils preferably contain from about 12 to about 19 carbon atoms. Branched chain hydrocarbon oils, including hydrocarbon polymers, can and typically will contain more than 19 carbon atoms. Specific non limiting examples of these hydrocarbon oils include paraffin oil, mineral oil, saturated and unsaturated dodecane, saturated and unsaturated tridecane, saturated and unsaturated tetradecane, saturated and unsaturated pentadecane, saturated and unsaturated hexadecane, polybutene, polydecene, and combinations thereof. Branched-chain isomers of these compounds, as well as of higher chain length hydrocarbons, can also be used, examples of which include highly branched, saturated or unsaturated, alkanes such as the permethyl-substituted isomers, e.g., the permethyl-substituted isomers of hexadecane and eicosane, such as 2, 2, 4, 4, 6, 6, 8, 8-dimethyl-10-methylundecane and 2, 2, 4, 4, 6, 6-dimethyl-8-methylnonane, sold by Permethyl Corporation. Hydrocarbon polymers such as polybutene and polydecene, especially polybutene, can also be used.

Other surfactant soluble conditioning oils for use in the shampoo composition include a liquid polyolefin such as a liquid polyalphaolefin or a hydrogenated liquid polyalphaolefin. Polyolefins suitable for use in the shampoo composition herein are prepared by polymerization of olefenic monomers containing from about 4 to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms. Polyalphaolefins are preferred, and are prepared by polymerization of 1-alkene monomers having from about 4 to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms.

Non limiting examples of olefenic monomers for use in preparing the polyolefin liquids herein include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, branched chain isomers such as 4-methyl-1-pentene, and combinations thereof. Also suitable for preparing the polyolefin liquids are olefin-containing refinery feedstocks or effluents. Preferred, however, are the hydrogenated alpha-olefin monomers having from about 4 to about 14 carbon atoms, or combinations thereof, examples of which include 1-hexene to 1-hexadecenes and combinations thereof, and preferably are 1-octene to 1-tetradecene or combinations thereof.

(ii) Styling Polymer

The personal cleansing compositions of the present invention may additionally contain a water-insoluble hair styling polymer, concentrations of which range from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.3% to about 7%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 5%, by weight of the composition. These styling polymers provide the personal cleansing composition of the present invention with hair styling performance by providing a thin polymeric film on the hair after application from a personal cleansing composition. The polymeric film deposited on the hair has adhesive and cohesive strength, as is understood by those skilled in the art. It is essential that when a styling polymer is present in the personal cleansing compositions of the invention that a solvent, defined hereafter, is also present in the It is preferred that when a styling polymer is present a deposition polymer be also present. This combination improves deposition and retention of the styling polymer. Furthermore, it is prefered that when the personal cleansing composition contains a styling polymer it is preferred that a cationic spreading agent be present.

Many such polymers are known in the art, including water-insoluble organic polymers and water-insoluble silicone-grafted polymers, all of which are suitable for use in the personal cleansing composition herein provided that they also have the requisite features or characteristics described hereinafter. Such polymers can be made by conventional or otherwise known polymerization techniques well known in the art, an example of which includes free radical polymerization.

See copending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 08/738,211, filed on Oct. 25, 1996 and 60/053,319, filed on Oct. 25, 1996, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of suitable organic and silicone grafted polymers for use in the personal cleansing composition of the present invention are described in greater detail hereinafter.

Organic styling polymer The styling polymers suitable for use in the personal cleansing composition of the present invention include organic styling polymers well known in the art. The organic styling polymers may be homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers or other higher polymers, but must comprise one or more polymerizable hydrophobic monomers to thus render the resulting styling polymer hydrophobic and water-insoluble as defined herein. The styling polymers may therefore further comprise other water soluble, hydrophilic monomers provided that the resulting styling polymers have the requisite hydrophobicity and water insolubility.

As used herein, the term “hydrophobic monomer” refers to polymerizable organic monomers that can form with like monomers a water-insoluble homopolymer, and the term “hydrophilic monomer” refers to polymerizable organic monomers that can form with like monomers a water-soluble homopolymer.

The organic styling polymers preferably have a weight average molecular weight of at least about 20,000, preferably greater than about 25,000, more preferably greater than about 30,000, most preferably greater than about 35,000. There is no upper limit for molecular weight except that which limits applicability of the invention for practical reasons, such as processing, aesthetic characteristics, formulateability, etc. In general, the weight average molecular weight will be less than about 10,000,000, more generally less than about 5,000,000, and typically less than about 2,000,000. Preferably, the weight average molecular weight will be between about 20,000 and about 2,000,000, more preferably between about 30,000 and about 1,000,000, and most preferably between about 40,000 and about 500,000.

The organic styling polymers also preferably have a glass transition temperature (Tg) or crystalline melting point (Tm) of at least about −20° C., preferably from about 20° C. to about 80° C., more preferably from about 20° C. to about 60° C. Styling polymers having these Tg or Tm values form styling films on hair that are not unduly sticky or tacky to the touch. As used herein, the abbreviation “Tg” refers to the glass transition temperature of the backbone of the polymer, and the abbreviation “Tm” refers to the crystalline melting point of the backbone, if such a transition exists for a given polymer. Preferably, both the Tg and the Tm, if any, are within the ranges recited hereinabove.

The organic styling polymers are carbon chains derived from polymerization of hydrophobic monomers such as ethylenically unsaturated monomers, cellulosic chains or other carbohydrate-derived polymeric chains. The backbone may comprise ether groups, ester groups, amide groups, urethanes, combinations thereof, and the like.

The organic styling polymers may further comprise one or more hydrophilic monomers in combination with the hydrophobic monomers described herein, provided that the resulting styling polymer has the requisite hydrophobic character and water-insolubility. Suitable hydrophilic monomers include, but are not limited to, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate, quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, methacrylamide, N-t-butyl acrylamide, maleic acid, maleic anhydride and its half esters, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, acrylamide, acrylate alcohols, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl ethers (such as methyl vinyl ether), maleimides, vinyl pyridine, vinyl imidazole, other polar vinyl heterocyclics, styrene sulfonate, allyl alcohol, vinyl alcohol (such as that produced by the hydrolysis of vinyl acetate after polymerization), salts of any acids and amines listed above, and mixtures thereof. Preferred hydrophilic monomers include acrylic acid, N,N-dimethyl acrylamide, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, quaternized dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate, vinyl pyrrolidone, salts of acids and amines listed above, and combinations thereof.

Suitable hydrophobic monomers for use in the organic styling polymer include, but are not limited to, acrylic or methacrylic acid esters of C₁-C₁₈ alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, methoxy ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 1-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 1-methyl-1-pentanol, 2-methyl-1-pentanol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol, t-butanol(2-methyl-2-propanol), cyclohexanol, neodecanol, 2-ethyl-1-butanol, 3-heptanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-octanol, 6-methyl-1-heptanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 3,5-dimethyl-1-hexanol, 3,5,5-tri methyl-1-hexanol, 1-decanol, 1-dodecanol, 1-hexadecanol, 1-octa decanol, and the like, the alcohols having from about 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, preferably from about 1 to about 12 carbon atoms; styrene; polystyrene macromer; vinyl acetate; vinyl chloride; vinylidene chloride; vinyl propionate; alpha-methylstyrene; t-butylstyrene; butadiene; cyclohexadiene; ethylene; propylene; vinyl toluene; and mixtures thereof. Preferred hydrophobic monomers include n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, t-butyl acrylate, t-butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate, and mixtures thereof, more preferably t-butyl acrylate, t-butyl methacrylate, or combinations thereof.

The styling polymers for use in the personal cleansing composition preferably comprise from about 20% to 100%, more preferably from about 50% to about 100%, even more preferably from about 60% to about 100%, by weight of the hydrophobic monomers, and may further comprise from zero to about 80% by weight of hydrophilic monomers. The particular selection and combination of monomers for incorporation into the styling polymer will help determine its formulational properties. By appropriate selection and combination of, for example, hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, the styling polymer can be optimized for physical and chemical compatibility with the selected styling polymer solvent described hereinafter and other components of the personal cleansing composition. The selected monomer composition of the organic styling polymer must, however, render the styling polymer water-insoluble but may be soluble in the selected solvent described hereinafter. In this context, the organic styling polymer is soluble in the solvent if the organic polymer is solubilized in the solvent at 25° C. at the polymer and solvent concentrations of the personal cleansing formulation selected. However, a solution of the organic styling polymer and solvent may be heated to speed up solubility of the styling polymer in the solvent. Such styling polymer and solvent formulation, including the selection of monomers for use in the styling polymer, to achieve the desired solubility is well within the skill of one in the art.

Examples of preferred organic styling polymers include t-butyl acrylate/2-ethylhexyl acrylate copolymers having a weight/weight ratio of monomers of about 95/5, about 90/10, about 80/20, about 70/30, about 60140, and about 50150; t-butyl acrylate/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate copolymers having a weight/weight ratio of monomers of about 95/5, about 90/10, about 80/20, about 70/30, about 60/40, and about 50/50; t-butyl methacrylate/2-ethylhexyl acrylate copolymers having a weight/weight ratio of monomers of about 95/5, about 90/10, about 80/20, about 70/30, about 60/40, and about 50/50; t-butyl methacrylate/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate copolymers having a weight/weight ratio of monomers of about 95/5, about 90/10, about 80/20, about 70/30, about 60/40, and about 50/50; t-butyl ethacrylate/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate copolymers having a weight/weight ratio of monomers of about 95/5, about 90/10, about 80/20, about 70/30, about 60/40, and about 50/50; vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers having a weight/weight ratio of monomers of about 10/90, and about 5/95; and mixtures thereof.

Especially preferred polymers are 1-butyl acrylate/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate copolymers having a weight/weight ratio of monomers of about 95/5, about 90/10, about 80/20, about 70/30, about 60/40, and about 50/50; t-butyl methacrylate/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate copolymers having a weight/weight ratio of monomers of about 95/5, about 90/10, about 80/20, about 70/30, about 60/40, and about 50/50; and mixtures thereof.

Examples of other suitable styling polymers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,531, to Wells et al., issued Jun. 9, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,532, to Wells et al., issued Jun. 9, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,642, to Wells et al., issued Apr. 14, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 4,272,511, to Papantoniou et al., issued Jun. 9, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,348, to Bolich et al., issued Oct. 16, 1990 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,190, to Gehman et al., issued Apr. 1, 1980, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

Silicone-grafted styling polymer Other suitable styling polymers for use in the personal cleansing composition of the present invention are silicone-grafted hair styling resins. These polymers may be used alone or in combination with the organic styling polymers described hereinbefore. Many such polymers suitable for use in the personal cleansing composition herein are known in the art. These polymers are characterized by polysiloxane moieties covalently bonded to and pendant from a polymeric carbon-based backbone.

The backbone of the silicone-grafted polymer is preferably a carbon chain derived from polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, but can also be cellulosic chains or other carbohydrate-derived polymeric chains to which polysiloxane moieties are pendant. The backbone can also include ether groups, ester groups, amide groups, urethane groups and the like. The polysiloxane moieties can be substituted on the polymer or can be made by co-polymerization of polysiloxane-containing polymerizable monomers (e.g. ethylenically unsaturated monomers, ethers, and/or epoxides) with non-polysiloxane-containing polymerizable monomers.

The silicone-grafted styling polymers for use in the personal cleansing composition comprise “silicone-containing” (or “polysiloxane-containing”) monomers, which form the silicone macromer pendant from the backbone, and non-silicone-containing monomers, which form the organic backbone of the polymer. That is a siloxane monomer grafted to the hair styling polymer.

Preferred silicone-grafted polymers comprise an organic backbone, preferably a carbon backbone derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers, such as a vinyl polymeric backbone, and a polysiloxane macromer (especially preferred are polydialkylsiloxane, most preferably polydimethylsiloxane) grafted to the backbone. The polysiloxane macromer should have a weight average molecular weight of at least about 500, preferably from about 1,000 to about 100,000, more preferably from about 2,000 to about 50,000, most preferably about 5,000 to about 20,000. Organic backbones contemplated include those that are derived from polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated monomers, including vinyl monomers, and other condensation monomers (e.g., those that polymerize to form polyamides and polyesters), ring-opening monomers (e.g., ethyl oxazoline and caprolactone), etc. Also contemplated are backbones based on cellulosic chains, ether-containing backbones, etc.

Preferred silicone grafted polymers for use in the personal cleansing composition comprise monomer units derived from: at least one free radically polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer or monomers and at least one free radically polymerizable polysiloxane-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer or monomers.

The silicone grafted polymers suitable for use in the personal cleansing composition generally comprise from about 1% to about 50%, by weight, of polysiloxane-containing monomer units and from about 50% to about 99% by weight, of non-polysiloxane-containing monomers. The non-polysiloxane-containing monomer units can be derived from the hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic monomer units described hereinbefore.

The styling polymer for use in the personal cleansing composition can therefore comprise combinations of the hydrophobic and/or polysiloxane-containing monomer units described herein, with or without hydrophilic comonomers as described herein, provided that the resulting st ng polymer has the requisite characteristics as described herein.

Suitable polymerizable polysiloxane-containing monomers include, but are not limited to, those monomers that conform to the formula: X(Y)_(n)Si(R)_(3-m)Z_(m) wherein X is an ethylenically unsaturated group copolymerizable with the hydrophobic monomers described herein, such as a vinyl group; Y is a divalent linking group; R is a hydrogen, hydroxyl, lower alkyl (e.g. C₁-C₄), aryl, alkaryl, alkoxy, or alkylamino; Z is a monovalent siloxane polymeric moiety having a number average molecular weight of at least about 500, which is essentially unreactive under copolymerization conditions, and is pendant from the vinyl polymeric backbone described above; n is 0 or 1; and m is an integer from 1 to 3. These polymerizable polysiloxane-containing monomers have a weight average molecular weight as described above.

A preferred polysiloxane-containing monomer conforms to the formula:

wherein m is 1, 2 or 3 (preferably m=1); p is 0 or 1; q is an integer from 2 to 6; R¹ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, lower alkyl, alkoxy, alkylamino, aryl, or alkaryl (preferably R¹ is alkyl); X conforms to the formula

wherein R² is hydrogen or —COOH (preferably R² is hydrogen); R³ is hydrogen, methyl or —CH₂COOH (preferably R³ is methyl); Z conforms to the formula:

wherein R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ independently are lower alkyl, alkoxy, alkylamino, aryl, arylalkyl, hydrogen or hydroxyl (preferably R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are alkyls); and r is an integer of about 5 or higher, preferably about 10 to about 1500 (most preferably r is from about 100 to about 250). Most preferably, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are methyl, p=0, and q=3.

Another preferred polysiloxane monomer conforms to either of the following formulas

wherein: s is an integer from 0 to about 6, preferably 0, 1, or 2, more preferably 0 or 1; m is an integer from 1 to 3, preferably 1; R² is C1-C10 alkyl or C7-C10 alkylaryl, preferably C1-C6 alkyl or C7-C10 alkylaryl, more preferably C1-C2 alkyl; n is an integer from 0 to 4, preferably 0 or 1, more preferably 0.

The silicone grafted styling polymers suitable for use in the personal cleansing composition preferably comprise from about 50% to about 99%, more preferably from about 60% to about 98%, most preferably from about 75% to about 95%, by weight of the polymer, of non-silicone macromer-containing monomer units, e.g. the total hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomer units described herein, and from about 1% to about 50%, preferably from about 2% to about 40%, more preferably from about 5% to about 25%, of silicone macromer-containing monomer units, e.g. the polysiloxane-containing monomer units described herein. The level of hydrophilic monomer units can be from about 0% to about 70%, preferably from about 0% to about 50%, more preferably from about 0% to about 30%, most preferably from about 0% to about 15%; the level of hydrophobic monomer units, can be from 30% to about 99%, preferably from about 50% to about 98%, more preferably from about 70% to about 95%, most preferably from about 85% to about 95%.

Examples of some suitable silicone grafted polymers for use in the personal cleansing composition herein are listed below. Each listed polymer is followed by its monomer composition as weight part of monomer used in the synthesis:

-   -   (i)         t-butylacrylatye/t-butyl-methacrylate/2-ethylhexyl-methacrylate/PDMS         macromer-20,000 molecular weight macromer 31/27/32/10     -   (ii) t-butylmethacrylate/2-ethylhexyl-methacrylate/PDMS         macromer-15,000 molecular weight macromer 75/10/15     -   (iii) t-butylmethacrylate/2-ethylhexyl-acrylate/PDMS         macromer-10,000 molecular weight macromer 65/15/20     -   (iv) t-butylacrylate/2-ethylhexyl-acrylate/PDMS macromer-14,000         molecular weight macromer 77/11/12     -   (v) t-butylacrylate/2-ethylhexyl-methacrylate/PDMS         macromer-13,000 molecular weight macromer 81/9/10.

Examples of other suitable silicone grafted polymers for use in the personal cleansing composition of the present invention are described in EPO Application 90307528.1, published as EPO Application 0 408 311 A2 on Jan. 11, 1991, Hayama, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,481, issued Oct. 29, 1991, Suzuki et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,609, Bolich et al., issued Apr. 21, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,658, Bolich et al., issued Mar. 31, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,657, Ansher-Jackson, et al., issued Mar. 31, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,646, Bolich et al., issued Apr. 14, 1992; U.S. Ser. No. 07/758,319, Bolich et al, filed Aug. 27, 1991, U.S. Ser. No. 07/758,320, Torgerson et al., filed Aug. 27, 1991, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

Solvent—The personal cleansing composition of the present invention must additionally comprise a volatile solvent for solubilizing the styling polymers, described hereinbefore, when such a styling polymer is present. The solvent helps disperse the styling polymer as water-insoluble fluid particles throughout the personal cleansing composition, wherein the dispersed particles comprise the styling polymer and the volatile solvent. Solvents suitable for this purpose include hydrocarbons, ethers, esters, amines, alkyl alcohols, volatile silicone derivatives and combinations thereof, many examples of which are well known in the art.

The volatile solvent must be water-insoluble or have a low water solubility. The selected styling polymer, however, must also be sufficiently soluble in the selected solvent to allow dispersion of the hair styling polymer and solvent combination as a separate, dispersed fluid phase in the personal cleansing composition.

The solvent suitable for use in the personal cleansing composition must also be a volatile material. In this context, the term volatile means that the solvent has a boiling point of less than about 300° C., preferably from about 90° C. to about 260° C., more preferably from about 100° C. to about 200° C. (at about one atmosphere of pressure).

The concentration of the volatile solvent in the personal cleansing composition must be sufficient to solubilize the hair styling polymer and disperse it as a separate fluid phase in the personal cleansing composition. Such concentrations generally range from about 0.10% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 8%, most preferably from about 1% to about 6%, by weight of the personal cleansing composition, wherein the weight ratio of styling polymer to solvent is preferably from about 10:90 to about 70:30, more preferably from about 20:80 to about 65:35, even more preferably from about 30:70 to about 60:40. If the weight ratio of styling polymer to solvent is too low, the lathering performance of the personal cleansing composition is negatively affected. If the ratio of polymer to solvent is too high, the composition becomes too viscous and causes difficulty in the dispersion of the styling polymer. The hair styling agents should have an average particle diameter in the final personal cleansing product of from about 0.05 to about 100 microns, preferably from about 0.2 micron to about 25 microns. Particle size can be measured according to methods known in the art, including, for example optical microscopy.

Preferred volatile solvents for use in the personal cleansing composition are the hydrocarbon solvents, especially branched chain hydrocarbon solvents. The hydrocarbon solvents may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, hydrocarbons having from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, preferably from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms. Saturated hydrocarbons are preferred, as are branched hydrocarbons. Nonlimiting examples of some suitable linear hydrocarbons include decane, dodecane, decene, tridecene, and combinations thereof. Suitable branched hydrocarbons include isoparaffins, examples of which include commercially available isoparaffins from Exxon Chemical Company such as Isopar H and K (C₁₁-C₁₂ isoparaffins), and Isopar L (C₁₁-C₁₃ isoparaffins). Preferred branched hydrocarbons are isohexadecane, isododecane, 2,5-dimethyl decane, isotetradecane, and combinations thereof. Commercially available branched hydrocarbons include Permethyl 99A and 101A (available from Preperse, Inc., South Plainfield, N.J., USA).

Other suitable solvents include isopropanol, butyl alcohol, amyl alcohol, phenyl ethanol, benzyl alcohol, phenyl propanol, ethyl butyrate, isopropyl butyrate, diethyl phthalate, diethyl malonate, diethyl succinate, dimethyl malonate, dimethyl succinate, phenyl ethyl dimethyl carbinol, ethyl-6-acetoxyhexanoate, and methyl (2-pentanyl-3-oxy)cyclopentylacetate, and mixtures thereof. Preferred among such other suitable solvents are diethyl phthalate, diethyl malonate, diethyl succinate, dimethyl malonate, dimethyl succinate, phenylethyl dimethyl carbinol, ethyl-6-acetoxyhexanoate, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable ether solvents are the di(C₅-C₇) alkyl ethers and diethers, especially the di(C₅-C₆) alkyl ethers such as isoamyl ether, dipentyl ether and dihexyl ether.

Other suitable solvents for use in the personal cleansing composition the volatile silicon derivatives such as cyclic or linear polydialkylsiloxane, linear siloxy compounds or silane. The number of silicon atoms in the cyclic silicones is preferably from about 3 to about 7, more preferably about 3 to about 5.

The general formula for such silicones is:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from C₁ to C₈ alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl and wherein n=3−7. The linear polyorgano siloxanes have from about 2 to 7 silicon atoms and have the general formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ can independently be saturated or unsaturated C₁-C₈ alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, hydroxyalkyl, amino alkyl or alkyl siloxy.

Linear siloxy compounds have the general formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are independently selected from saturated or unsaturated C₁ to C₇ alkyl, aryl and alkyl aryl and R₇ is C₁ to C₄ alkylene.

Silane compounds have the general formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ can independently be selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, hydroxyalkyl and alkylsiloxy.

Silicones of the above type, both cyclic and linear, are offered by Dow Corning Corporation, Dow Corning 344, 345 and 200 fluids, Union Carbide, Silicone 7202 and Silicone 7158, and Stauffer Chemical, SWS-03314.

The linear volatile silicones generally have viscosities of less than about 5 centistokes at 25° C. while the cyclic materials have viscosities less than about 10 centistokes. Examples of volatile silicones are described in Todd and Byers, “Volatile Silicone Fluids for Cosmetics”, Cosmetics and Toiletries, Vol. 91, January, 1976, pp. 27-32, and also in Silicon Compounds, pages 253-295, distributed by Petrarch Chemicals, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

Cationic Spreading Agent The personal cleansing compositions of the present invention may additionally comprise select cationic materials which act for use as spreading agents. The spreading agents for use in the composition are select quaternary ammonium or protonated amino compounds defined in greater detail hereinafter. These select spreading agents are useful to improve spreadability of the water-insoluble styling polymer on the body, for example on the hair. The concentration of the select spreading agents in the composition range from about 0.05% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.2% to about 1%, by weight of the personal cleansing composition.

It has been found that the select spreading agents will improve spreadability of a water-insoluble styling polymer when used in the personal cleansing composition of the present invention. In particular, the improved insoluble solvent, water-insoluble styling polymer, and cationic deposition polymer, are especially effective at improving styling performance of the composition. The improved styling performance results from the improved spreading efficiency of water-insoluble styling polymer attributed to the use of the select spreading agent in the composition onto hair. This improved spreading results in improved styling performance, or allows for formulation of the personal cleansing composition using reduced amounts of styling polymer or cationic deposition polymer.

The select spreading agents are quaternary ammonium or amino compounds having 2, 3 or 4 N-radicals which are substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon chains having from about 12 to about 30 carbon atoms, wherein the substituents includes nonionic hydrophilic moieties selected from alkoxy, polyoxalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyallyl, alkylester moieties, and mixtures thereof. Suitable hydrophile-containing radicals include, for example, compounds having nonionic hydrophile moieties selected from the group consisting of ethoxy, propoxy, polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, ethylamido, propylamido, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, methylester, ethylester, propylester, or mixtures thereof. The select spreading agents are cationic and must be positively charged at the pH of the personal cleansing compositions. Generally, the pH of the personal cleansing composition will be less than about 10, typically from about 3 to about 9, preferably from about 4 to about 8.

Select cationic spreading agents for use in the composition include those corresponding to the to the formula:

wherein R₁, and R₂ are independently a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched hydrocarbon chain having from about 12 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 18 to about 22 carbon atoms, and wherein the hydrocarbon chain can contain one or more hydrophilic moieties selected from the alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, alkylester, and mixtures thereof; R₃ and R₄ are independently a hydrogen, or a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched hydrocarbon chain having from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms, or a hydrocarbon having from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms containing one or more aromatic, ester, ether, amido, amino moieties present as substitutents or as linkages in the chain, and wherein the hydrocarbon chain can contain one or more hydrophilic moieties selected from the alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, alkylester, and mixtures thereof; and X is a soluble salt forming anion preferably selected from halogen (especially chlorine), acetate, phosphate, nitrate, sulfonate, and alkylsulfate radicals.

An example of a select spreading agent for use in the composition include those corresponding to the formula:

wherein n is from 10-28, preferably 16, and X is a water soluble salt forming anion (e.g., Cl, sulfate, etc.).

Other examples of select cationic spreading agents for use in the composition include those corresponding to the formula:

wherein Z₁ and Z₂ are independently saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched hydrocarbons, and preferably Z₁ is an alkyl, more preferably methyl, and Z₂ is a short chain hydroxyalkyl, preferably hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl; n and m are independently integers from 1 to 4, inclusive, preferably from 2 to 3, inclusive, more preferably 2; R′ and R″ are independently substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbons, preferably C₁₂-C₂₀ alkyl or alkenyl; and X is a soluble salt forming anion (e.g., Cl, sulfate, etc.).

Nonlimiting examples of suitable cationic spreading agents include ditallowdimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallowdimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, dihexadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, di-(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dieicosyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didocosyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, di-(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium acetate, dihexadecyl dimethyl ammonium acetate, ditallow dipropyl ammonium phosphate, ditallow dimethyl ammonium nitrate, di-(coconutalkyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallowamidoethyl hydroxypropylmonium methosulfate (commercially available as Varisoft 238), dihydrogenated tallowamidoethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate (commercially available as Varisoft 110), ditallowamidoethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate (commercially available as Varisoft 222), and di(partially hardened soyoylethyl) hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate (commercially available as Armocare EQ-S). Ditallowdimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallowamidoethyl hydroxypropylmonium methosulfate, dihydrogenated tallowamidoethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, ditallowamidoethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, and di(partially hardened soyoylethyl) hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate are particularly preferred quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants useful herein.

Other suitable quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants are described in M.C. Publishing Co., McCutcheion's Detergents & Emulsifiers, (North American edition 1979); Schwartz, et al., Surface Active Agents. Their Chemistry and Technology, New York: Interscience Publishers, 1949; U.S. Pat. No. 3,155,591, to Hilfer, issued Nov. 3, 1964; U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 to Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,461 to Bailey et al, issued May 25, 1976; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,090 to Bolich Jr., issued Jun. 7, 1983, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

iii) Dispersed Phase Polymers

Another optional component of the present invention is a dispersed phase polymer. Suitable dispersed phase polymers include water soluble nonionic polymers and water soluble anionic polymers. Suitable nonionic polymers include cellulose ethers (e.g., hydroxybutyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethylhydroxy ethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose), propylene glycol alginates, polyacrylamide, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl guar gum, locust bean gum, amylose, hydroxyethyl amylose, starch and starch derivatives and mixtures thereof. Preferred nonionic polymers include hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose, dextran, polypropyleneoxide and hydroxypropyl guar or mixtures thereof.

Suitable anionic water-soluble polymers include carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, xanthum gum polystyrene sulfonate, gum agar, gum ghatti, gum karaya, pectins, alginate salts, as well as poly(acrylic acid) and acrylic or methacrylic acid derivatives such as the alkali metal and ammonium salts of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid. Mixtures of the above anionic water-soluble polymers may also be used.

These polymeric compositions may be homopolymers or they may be copolymers or terpolymers with other copolymerizing monomers known in the art. Examples of copolymerizing monomers known in the art include but are not limited to ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, styrene, polystyrene, alphamethylstyrene, vinyl acetate, vinyl formate, alkyl ethers, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, the alkyl acrylates, the alkylmethacrylates, the alkyl fumarates, the alkyl maleates, and other olefinic monomers copolymerizable therewith as long as the resulting polymers are water soluble and phase separate in the compositions of this invention. Copolymers of anionic and nonionic monomers such as acrylic acid and methacrylic acid with acrylamide, methacrylamide, the N-alkyl substituted amides, the N-aminoalkylamides, the corresponding N-alkylaminoalkyl substituted amides, the aminoalkyl acrylates, the aminoalkyl methacrylamides, and the N-alkyl substituted aminoalkyl esters of either acrylic or methacrylic acids.

Preferred anionic polymers include polyacrylic acid; sodium carboxy methyl cellulose; polyacrylates; polymethyl acrylate; polysulphates such as polyvinyl sulfate, polystyrene sulfonate, polyphosphates, sodium dextran sulfate, alginate salts and pectate.

When combined with the aqueous surfactant system and phase separation initiator, described below, the water-soluble nonionic or anionic polymer separates to form aqueous droplets suspended in a continuous aqueous phase. The number average particle size of the polymer droplets can be from 0.1 microns to about 10,000 microns, preferably from about 1.0 micron to about 5000 microns, most preferably from about 5 microns to about 1000 microns.

Most preferred for use in the present invention are ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl guar and polystyrene sulfonate.

The herein described polymers are preferably present at a concentration level of above about 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.15% to about 10%, most preferably from about 0.2% to about 2%. mixtures of the anionic and nonionic water-soluble polymers may also be used.

See also copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/786,521, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The personal care compositions of the invention when a dispersed phase polymers is present preferably contain a phase separation initiator, defined herein after.

Phase Separation Initiators The compositions of the present invention may additionally contain a phase separation initiator. By the term “phase separation initiators”, as used herein, means electrolytes, amphiphiles or mixtures thereof capable of inducing phase separation when combined with compositions comprising a surfactant system and a nonionic or anionic water-soluble polymer.

By the term “amphiphile” as used herein, means, generally, substances which contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic (lipophilic) groups. Amphiphiles preferred for use in the present invention are those which generally do not form micelles or liquid crystal phases and include, but are not limited to: amides of fatty acids; fatty alcohols; fatty esters, glycol mono- and di-esters of fatty acids; glyceryl esters.

Amides, including alkanol amides, are the condensation products of fatty acids with primary and secondary amines or alkanolamines to yield products of the e

wherein RCO is a fatty acid radical and R is C₈₋₂₀; X is an alkyl, aromatic or alkanol (CHR′CH₂OH wherein R′ is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl); Y is H, alkyl, alkanol or X. Suitable amides include, but are not limited to, cocamide, lauramide, oleamide and stearamide. Suitable alkanolamides include, but are not limited to, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, cocamide MIPA, isostearamide DEA, isostearamide MEA, isostearamide MIPA, lanolinamide DEA, lauramide DEA, lauramide MEA, lauramide MIPA, linoleamide DEA, linoleamide MEA, linoleamide MIPA, myristamide DEA, myristamide MEA, myristamide MIPA, Oleamide DEA, Oleamide MEA, Oleamide MIPA, palmamide DEA, palmamide MEA, palmamide MIPA, palmitamide DEA, palmitamide MEA, palm kernelamide DEA, palm kernelamide MEA, palm kernelamide MIPA, peanutamide MEA, peanutamide MIPA, soyamide DEA, stearamide DEA, stearamide MEA, stearamide MIPA, tallamide DEA, tallowamide DEA, tallowamide MEA, undecylenamide DEA, undecylenamide MEA. The condensation reaction may be carried out with free fatty acids or with all types of esters of the fatty acids, such as fats and oils, and particularly methyl esters. The reaction conditions and the raw material sources determine the blend of materials in the end product and the nature of any impurities.

Fatty alcohols are higher molecular weight, nonvolatile, primary alcohols having the general formula: RCH₂OH wherein R is a C₈₋₂₀ alkyl. They can be produced from natural fats and oils by reduction of the fatty acid COOH— grouping to the hydroxyl function. Alternatively, identical or similarly structured fatty alcohols can be produced according to conventional synthetic methods known in the art. Suitable fatty alcohols include, but are not limited to, behenyl alcohol, C₉₋₁₁ alcohols, C₁₂₋₁₃ alcohols, C₁₂₋₁₅ alcohols, C₁₂₋₁₆ alcohols, C₁₄₋₁₅ alcohols, caprylic alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, coconut alcohol, decyl alcohol, isocetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, palm kernel alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, tallow alcohol, tridecyl alcohol or myristyl alcohol.

Glyceryl esters comprise a subgroup of esters which are primarily fatty acid mono- and di-glycerides or triglycerides modified by reaction with other alcohols and the like. Preferred glyceryl esters are mono and diglycerides. Suitable glyceryl esters and derivatives thereof include, but are not limited to, acetylated hydrogenated tallow glyceride, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl caprate, glyceryl caprylate, glyceryl caprylate/caprate, glyceryl dilaurate, glyceryl dioleate, glyceryl erucate, glyceryl hydroxystearate, glyceryl isostearate, glyceryl lanolate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl linoleate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl myristate, glyceryl distearate and mixtures thereof.

Also useful as amphiphiles in the present invention are long chain glycol esters or mixtures thereof. Included are ethylene glycol esters of fatty acids having from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Fatty esters of the formula RCO—OR′ also act as suitable amphiphiles in the compositions of the present invention, where one of R and R′ is a C₈₋₂₂ alkyl and the other is a C₁₋₃ alkyl.

The amphiphiles of the present invention may also encompass a variety of surface active compounds such as nonionic and cationic surfactants. If incorporated into the compositions of the present invention, these surface active compounds become additional surfactants used as amphilphiles for the purpose of initiating phase separation and are separate and apart from the surfactants of the surfactant system and the alkyl glyceryl sulfonate surfactant of the present invention.

Amphiphiles preferred for use herein include cocamide MEA, cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.

The amphiphiles of the present invention are preferably present in the personal cleansing compositions at levels of from 0 to about 4% preferably from about 0.5% to about 2%.

Suitable electrolytes include mono-, di- and trivalent inorganic salts as well as organic salts. Surfactant salts themselves are not included in the present electrolyte definition but other salts are. Suitable salts include, but are not limited to, phosphates, sulfates, nitrates, citrates and halides. The counter ions of such salts can be, but are not limited to, sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium or other mono-, di and tri valent cation. Electrolytes most preferred for use in the compositions of the present invention include sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, sodium citrate, and magnesium sulfate. It is recognized that these salts may serve as thickening aids or buffering aids in addition to their role as a phase separation initiator. The amount of the electrolyte used will generally depend on the amount of the amphiphile incorporated, but may be used at concentration levels of from about 0.1% to about 4%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 2%.

The amount of phase separation initiator comprising the electrolyte and/or the amphiphile will vary with the type of surfactant and polymer, but is generally present at a level of from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 3%.

In view of the essential nature and activity of the phase separation initiators described above, the compositions of the present invention are, preferably, substantially free of materials which would prevent the induction or formation of separate, liquid phases. The term “substantially free”, as used here, means that the compositions of the present invention contain no more than about 0.5% of such materials, preferably less than 0.25%, more preferably zero. Such materials typically include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol and the like.

The compositions of the present invention are also preferably substantially free of other ingredients which unduly minimize the formation of separate and distinct liquid phases, especially ingredients which do not provide a significant benefit to the present invention.

c) Antidandruff Agent

The personal cleansing compositions of the present invention can additionally comprise a safe and effective amount of an antidandruff agent. The antidandruff agent provides the personal cleansing compositions with antidandruff activity. The antidandruff agent is preferably a crystalline particulate that is insoluble in, and dispersed throughout, the personal cleansing compositions. Effective concentrations of such antidandruff agents generally range from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 5%, by weight of the personal cleansing compositions.

See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,576 to Verdicchio et al, and copending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 08/738,211, filed on Oct. 25, 1996, Ser. No. 08/622,222, filed on Mar. 27, 1996 and Ser. No. 08/593,727, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable antidandruff agents includes, for example, platelet pyridinethione salt crystal, octopirox, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and pyridinethione salts. Selenium sulfide is a preferred particulate antidandruff agent for use in the personal cleansing compositions, effective concentrations of which range from about 0.1% to about 5.0%, preferably from about 0.3% to about 2.5%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, by weight of the personal cleansing compositions. Selenium sulfide is generally regarded as a compound having one mole of selenium and two moles of sulfur, although it may also be a cyclic structure, Se_(x)S_(y), wherein x+y=8. Average particle diameters for the selenium sulfide (selenium disulfide) are less than 15 um, preferably less than 10 um, as measured by forward laser light scattering device, e.g., Malvern 3600 instrument. Selenium sulfide compounds are well known in the personal cleansing art, and are described, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 2,694,668; U.S. Pat. No. 3,152,046; U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,945; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,107, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

Pyridinethione antidandruff agents, especially 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinethione salts, are highly preferred particulate antidandruff agents for use in the personal cleansing compositions, concentrations of which range from about 0.1% to about 3%, preferably about 0.3% to about 2%, by weight of the personal cleansing compositions. Preferred pyridinethione salts are those formed from heavy metals such as zinc, tin, cadmium, magnesium, aluminum and zirconium. Zinc salts are most preferred, especially the zinc salt of 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinethione (zinc pyridinethione, ZPT). Other cations such as sodium may also be suitable.

Pyridinethione antidandruff agents are well known in the personal cleansing art, and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,809,971; U.S. Pat. No. 3,236,733; U.S. Pat. No. 3,753,196; U.S. Pat. No. 3,761,418; U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,080; U.S. Pat. No. 4,323,683; U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,753; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,982, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

Sulfur may also be used as the particulate antidandruff agent in the personal cleansing compositions herein. Effective concentrations of the particulate sulfur are generally from about 1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 2% to about 5%, by weight of the compositions.

Octopirox and related salts and derivatives may also be used as the antidandruff agent in the personal cleansing compositions. Such antidandruff agents are soluble in the personal cleansing composition and, therefore, do not disperse throughout the composition as crystalline particulates as do the other antidandruff agents described hereinbefore. Other antidandruff agents such as azoles may also be used. Examples of azole antidandruff agents are: ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, miconazole, econazole.

Water soluble non-particulate antidandruff substances whose deposition and retention is enhanced by the water-soluble nitrogen containing polymers described herein include (i.e. deposition polymers)

-   -   (a) 1-hydroxy-2-pryidoner of the formula         wherein R₁ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 17 carbon atoms,         cycloalkyl-alkyl of 1 to 4 alkyl carbon atoms, the cycloalkyl         groups being optionally substituted by alkyl groups of 1 to 4         carbon atoms, aryl, aralkyl of 1 to 4 alkyl carbon atoms,         aryl-alkenyl of 2 to 4 alkenyl carbon atoms, aryloxy-alkyl or         arylthio-alkyl of 1 to 4 alkyl carbon atoms, benzhydyl,         phenylsulfonyl-alky of 1 to 4 alkyl carbon atoms, furyl or         furyl-alkenyl of 2 to 4 alkenyl carbon atoms, the aryl groups         being optionally substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, by         alkoxyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, by nitrogen, or cyano halogen         atoms. R₂ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkenyl or         alkinyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, halogen atoms or benzyl. R₃ is         hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl. R₄ is         hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkenyl of 2 to 4 carbon         atoms, methoxy-methyl, halogen or benzyl and/or salts thereof.

These compounds are disclosed and more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,106 and such compounds are available commercially from Hoechst Akitengeselfschaft under the trade name Octopirox.

-   -   (b) magnesium sulfate adducts of         2,2′-dithiobis(pyridine-1-oxide) of the formula

These compounds are available from Olin corporation under the trade name Omadine MDS.

It is preferred that an antidandruff agent be used in combination with a deposition polymer, where such a combination would result in improved deposition and retention of the antidandruff agent.

Additionally, the antidandruff agent can be a heavy metal magnesium or aluminium salts of 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinethione which has the following structural formula in tautomeric form, the sulfur being attached to the No. 2 position in the pyridine ring:

The metal salts represent substitution of the metal cation for the hydrogen of one of the tautomeric forms. Depending, of course, on the valence of the metal involved there may be more than one of the pyridinethione rings in the compound. Suitable heavy metals include zinc, tin, cadmium and zirconium.

The personal cleansing compositions of the invention can optionally contain a antidandruff agent which is a platelet pyridinethione salt crystal. When present, platelet pyridinethione salt crystals are predominantly flat platelets which have a mean sphericity less than about 0.65, preferably between about 0.20 and about 0.65 and a median size of at least about 2μ diameter, expressed as the median equivalent diameter of a sphere of equal volume. It is preferred that the mean particle size be not greater than 15μ, measured on the same basis. The median diameters are on a mass basis with 50% of the mass of particles falling on either side of the value given.

The diameter of a sphere of equivalent volume for a particle can be determined by a varieties of sedimentation techniques which are based on Stokes' Law for the settling velocity of a partivle in a fluid. Such techniques are described in Stockham, J. D. and Fochtman, E. G., Particle Size Analysis, Ann Arbour Science, 1978, incorporated herein by reference.

The sphericity of a particle is also described by Stockham and Fochtman at page 113 as ψ=(d _(v) /d _(s))² where d_(v) is the diameter of a sphere of equivalent volume, supra, and d_(s) is the diameter of a sphere of equivalent area. In the present invention the mean sphericity=(⁻ d _(v)/⁻ d _(s))² or surface areas of spheres having equivalent volume distribution divided by the actual surface area of particles as measured. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,753 to Bolich, Jr incorporated herein by reference. Co-Surfactants

The surfactant system of the personal cleansing compositions of the present invention can comprise, one or more detersive co-surfactants selected from the group consisting of anionic co-surfactant, nonionic co-surfactant, cationic co-surfactant, amphoteric co-surfactant, zwitterionic co-surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The total amount of surfactant present in the personal cleansing composition is preferably at least about 5%, more preferably still at least about 8%, even more preferably at least about 10%, by weight. Furthermore, the total amount of surfactant (i.e., the mid-chain branched surfactant plus co-surfactant) present in the personal cleansing composition will be present at preferably less than about 45%, more preferably less than about 35%, even more preferably less than about 30%, even more preferably less than about 25%, even more preferably less than about 20%, most preferably less than about 15%, by weight.

Anionic Co-Surfactant

The personal cleansing compositions preferably comprise an anionic co-surfactant, and preferably at concentrations of at least about 0.5%, more preferably, at least about 1%, even more preferably at least about 2%, even more preferably still at least about 5%, even more preferably still at least about 8%, most preferably at least about 10%, by weight. Furthermore, amount of anionic co-surfactant present in the personal cleansing composition will be present at preferably less than about 35%, more preferably less than about 30%, even more preferably less than about 25%, by weight of the composition. It is preferred that the total amount of anionic surfactant (i.e. anionic mid-chain branched plus anionic co-surfactant) present in the personal cleansing composition is preferably about 5% or greater, more preferrably 8% or greater, even more preferably about 10% or greater, even more preferably still about 12% or greater, by weight of the composition.

Anionic co-surfactants for use in the personal cleansing compositions include alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates. These materials have the respective formulae ROSO₃M and RO(C₂H₄O)_(x)SO₃M, wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl of from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, x is 1 to 10, and M is a cation such as ammonium, alkanolamines, such as triethanolamine, monovalent metals, such as sodium and potassium, and polyvalent metal cations, such as magnesium, and calcium. The cation M, of the anionic co-surfactant should be chosen such that the anionic co-surfactant component is water soluble. Solubility will depend upon the particular anionic co-surfactants and cations chosen.

Preferably, R has from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms in both the alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates. The alkyl ether sulfates are typically made as condensation products of ethylene oxide and monohydric alcohols having from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms. The alcohols can be derived from fats, e.g., coconut oil or tallow, or can be synthetic. Lauryl alcohol and straight chain alcohols derived from coconut oil are preferred herein. Such alcohols are reacted with between about 0 and about 10, and especially about 3, molar proportions of ethylene oxide and the resulting mixture of molecular species having, for example, an average of 3 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, is sulfated and neutralized.

Specific examples of alkyl ether sulfates which may be used in the personal cleansing compositions of the present invention are sodium and ammonium salts of coconut alkyl triethylene glycol ether sulfate; tallow alkyl triethylene glycol ether sulfate, and tallow alkyl hexaoxyethylene sulfate. Highly preferred alkyl ether sulfates are those comprising a mixture of individual compounds, said mixture having an average alkyl chain length of from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms and an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 1 to about 4 moles of ethylene oxide.

Other suitable anionic co-surfactants are the water-soluble salts of organic, sulfuric acid reaction products of the general formula [R₁—SO₃—M] where R₁ is selected from the group consisting of a straight or branched chain, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to about 24, preferably about 10 to about 18, carbon atoms; and M is a cation, as previously described, subject to the same limitations regarding polyvalent metal cations as previously discussed. Examples of such co-surfactants are the salts of an organic sulfuric acid reaction product of a hydrocarbon of the methane series, including iso-, neo-, and n-paraffins, having about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms and a sulfonating agent, e.g., SO₃, H₂SO₄, obtained according to known sulfonation methods, including bleaching and hydrolysis. Preferred are alkali metal and ammonium sulfonated C₁₀₋₁₈ n-paraffins.

Still other suitable anionic co-surfactants are the reaction products of fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide where, for example, the fatty acids are derived from coconut oil; sodium or potassium salts of fatty acid amides of methyl tauride in which the fatty acids, for example, are derived from coconut oil. Other similar anionic co-surfactants are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,486,921; 2,486,922; and 2,396,278.

Other anionic co-surfactants suitable for use in the personal cleansing compositions are the succinnates, examples of which include disodium N-octadecylsulfosuccinnate; disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate; diammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate; tetrasodium N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-N-octadecylsulfosuccinnate; diamyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid; dihexyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid; dioctyl esters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid.

Other suitable anionic co-surfactants include olefin sulfonates having about 10 to about 24 carbon atoms. The term “olefin sulfonates” is used herein to mean compounds which can be produced by the sulfonation of alpha-olefins by means of uncomplexed sulfur trioxide, followed by neutralization of the acid reaction mixture in conditions such that any sulfones which have been formed in the reaction are hydrolyzed to give the corresponding hydroxy-alkanesulfonates. The sulfur trioxide can be liquid or gaseous, and is usually, but not necessarily, diluted by inert diluents, for example by liquid SO₂, chlorinated hydrocarbons, etc., when used in the liquid form, or by air, nitrogen, gaseous SO₂, etc., when used in the gaseous form.

The alpha-olefins from which the olefin sulfonates are derived are mono-olefins having about 12 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably about 14 to about 16 carbon atoms. Preferably, they are straight chain olefins.

In addition to the true alkene sulfonates and a proportion of hydroxy-alkanesulfonates, the olefin sulfonates can contain minor amounts of other materials, such as alkene disulfonates depending upon the reaction conditions, proportion of reactants, the nature of the starting olefins and impurities in the olefin stock and side reactions during the sulfonation process.

A specific alpha-olefin sulfonate mixture of the above type is described more fully in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,332,880, which description is incorporated herein by reference.

Another class of anionic co-surfactants suitable for use in the personal cleansing compositions are the beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates. These compounds have the following formula:

-   -   where R¹ is a straight chain alkyl group having from about 6 to         about 20 carbon atoms, R² is a lower alkyl group having from         about 1 (preferred) to about 3 carbon atoms, and M is a         water-soluble cation as hereinbefore described.

Many other anionic co-surfactants suitable for use in the personal cleansing compositions are described in McCutcheon's, Emulsifiers and Detergents, 1989 Annual, published by M. C. Publishing Co., and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

Preferred anionic co-surfactants for use in the personal cleansing compositions include ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethylamine laureth sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine laureth sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine laureth sulfate, diethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine laureth sulfate, lauric monoglyceride sodium sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, potassium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, lauryl sarcosine, cocoyl sarcosine, ammonium cocoyl sulfate, ammonium lauroyl sulfate, sodium cocoyl sulfate, sodium lauroyl sulfate, potassium cocoyl sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine cocoyl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, sodium tridecyl benzene sulfonate, and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate.

Amphoteric and Zwitterionic Co-Surfactants

The detersive co-surfactant of the personal cleansing compositions may comprise an amphoteric and/or zwitterionic co-surfactant. Concentrations of such co-surfactants will generally range from about 0.5% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 10%, by weight of the personal cleansing compositions.

Amphoteric co-surfactants for use in the personal cleansing compositions include the derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines in which the aliphatic radical is straight or branched and one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate.

Suitable amphoteric co-surfactants for use in the personal cleansing compositions include long chain tertiary amine oxides of the formula [R¹R²R³N→ O] where R¹ contains an alkyl, alkenyl or monohydroxy alkyl radical of from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, from 0 to about 10 ethylene oxide moieties, and from 0 to about 1 glyceryl moiety, and R² and R³ contain from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms and from 0 to about 1 hydroxy group, e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl, or hydroxypropyl radicals.

Suitable amphoteric co-surfactants for use in the personal cleansing compositions include long chain tertiary phosphine oxides of the formula [RR′R″P →O] where R contains an alkyl, alkenyl or monohydroxyalkyl radical ranging from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms in chain length, from 0 to about 10 ethylene oxide moieties and from 0 to about 1 glyceryl moiety and R′ and R″ are each alkyl or monohydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms.

Suitable amphoteric co-surfactants for use in the personal cleansing compositions include long chain dialkyl sulfoxides containing one short chain alkyl or hydroxy alkyl radical of from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms (usually methyl) and one long hydrophobic chain which include alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxy alkyl, or keto alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms, from 0 to about 10 ethylene oxide moieties and from 0 to about 1 glyceryl moiety.

Zwitterionic co-surfactants for use in the personal cleansing compositions include the derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, and sulfonium compounds, in which the aliphatic radicals are straight or branched, and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate. A general formula for these compounds is:

where R² contains an alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxy alkyl radical of from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, from 0 to about 10 ethylene oxide moieties and from 0 to about 1 glyceryl moiety; Y is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur atoms; R³ is an alkyl or monohydroxyalkyl group containing about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; X is 1 when Y is a sulfur atom, and 2 when Y is a nitrogen or phosphorus atom; R⁴ is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene of from about 1 to about 4 carbon atoms and Z is a radical selected from the group consisting of carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, and phosphate groups.

Examples of amphoteric and zwitterionic co-surfactants also include sultaines and amidosultaines. Sultaines and amidosultaines can be used as foam enhancing co-surfactants that are mild to the eye in partial replacement of anionic co-surfactants. Sultaines, including amidosultaines, include for example, cocodimethylpropylsultaine, stearyldimethylpropylsultaine, lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) propylsultaine and the like; and the amidosultaines such as cocoamidodimethylpropylsultaine, stearylamidododimethylpropylsultaine, laurylamidobis-(2-hydroxyethyl) propylsultaine, and the like. Preferred are amidohydroxysultaines such as the C₁₂-C₁₈ hydrocarbyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, especially C₁₂-C₁₄ hydro-carbyl amido propyl hydroxysultaines, e.g., laurylamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine. Other sultaines are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,417, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

Other suitable amphoteric co-surfactants are the aminoalkanoates of the formula R—NH(CH₂)_(n)COOM, the iminodialkanoates of the formula R—N [(CH₂)_(m)COOM]₂ and mixtures thereof; wherein n and m are numbers from 1 to 4, R is C₈-C₂₂ alkyl or alkenyl, and M is hydrogen, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or alkanolammonium.

Examples of suitable aminoalkanoates include n-alkylamino-propionates and n-alkyliminodipropionates, specific examples of which include N-lauryl-beta-amino propionic acid or salts thereof, and N-lauryl-beta-imino-dipropionic acid or salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Other suitable amphoteric co-surfactants include those represented by the formula:

wherein R¹ is C₈-C₂₂ alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C₁₂-C₁₆, R² is hydrogen or CH₂CO₂M, R³ is CH₂CH₂OH or CH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂COOM, R⁴ is hydrogen, CH₂CH₂OH, or CH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂COOM, Z is CO₂M or CH₂CO₂M, n is 2 or 3, preferably 2, M is hydrogen or a cation, such as alkali metal (e.g., lithium, sodium, potassium), alkaline earth metal (beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium), or ammonium. This type of co-surfactant is sometimes classified as an imidazoline-type amphoteric co-surfactant, although it should be recognized that it does not necessarily have to be derived, directly or indirectly, through an imidazoline intermediate.

Suitable materials of this type are marketed under the trade name MIRANOL and are understood to comprise a complex mixture of species, and can exist in protonated and non-protonated species depending upon pH with respect to species that can have a hydrogen at R². All such variations and species are meant to be encompassed by the above formula.

Examples of co-surfactants of the above formula are monocarboxylates and dicarboxylates. Examples of these materials include cocoamphocarboxypropionate, cocoamphocarboxypropionic acid, cocoamphocarboxyglycinate (alternately referred to as cocoamphodiacetate), and cocoamphoacetate.

Commercial amphoteric co-surfactants include those sold under the trade names MIRANOL C2M CONC. N.P., MIRANOL C2M CONC. O.P., MIRANOL C2M SF, MIRANOL CM SPECIAL (Miranol, Inc.); ALKATERIC 2CIB (Alkaril Chemicals); AMPHOTERGE W-2 (Lonza, In; MONATERIC CDX-38, MONATERIC CSH-32 (Mona Industries); REWOTERIC AM-2C (Rewo Chemical Group); and SCHERCOTERIC MS-2 (Scher Chemicals).

Betaine co-surfactants (zwitterionic) suitable for use in the personal cleansing compositions are those represented by the formula:

wherein:

-   R₁ is a member selected from the group consisting of     COOM and CH(OH)—CH₂SO₃M -   R₂ is lower alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; -   R₃ is lower alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; -   R₄ is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and     lower alkyl; -   R₅ is higher alkyl or alkenyl; -   Y is lower alkyl, preferably methyl; -   m is an integer from 2 to 7, preferably from 2 to 3; -   n is the integer 1 or 0; -   M is hydrogen or a cation, as previously described, such as an     alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammonium.

The term “lower alkyl” or “hydroxyalkyl” means straight or branch chained, saturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals and substituted hydrocarbon radicals having from one to about three carbon atoms such as, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxyethyl, and the like. The term “higher alkyl or alkenyl” means straight or branch chained saturated (i.e., “higher alkyl”) and unsaturated (i.e., “higher alkenyl”) aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from about eight to about 20 carbon atoms such as, for example, lauryl, cetyl, stearyl, oleyl, and the like. It should be understood that the term “higher alkyl or alkenyl” includes mixtures of radicals which may contain one or more intermediate linkages such as ether or polyether linkages or non-functional substitutents such as hydroxyl or halogen radicals wherein the radical remains of hydrophobic character.

Examples of co-surfactant betaines of the above formula wherein n is zero which are useful herein include the alkylbetaines such as cocodimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryl dimethyl-alpha-carboxyethylbetaine, cetyldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxymethylbetaine, stearyl-bis-(2-hy-droxypropyl)carboxymethylbetaine, oleyldimethyl-gamma-carboxypropylbetaine, lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)alpha-carboxyethylbetaine, etc. The sulfobetaines may be represented by cocodimethylsulfopropylbetaine, stearyldimethylsulfo-propylbetaine, lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfopropylbetaine, and the like.

Specific examples of amido betaines and amidosulfo betaines useful in the personal cleansing compositions include the amidocarboxybetaines, such as cocoamidodimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, laurylamidodi-methylcarboxymethylbetaine, cetylamidodimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, laurylamido-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-carboxymethylbetaine, cocoamido-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-carboxymethylbetaine, etc. The amido sulfobetaines may be represented by cocoamidodimethylsulfopropylbetaine, stearylamidodimethylsulfopropylbetaine, lauryl-amido-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-sulfopropylbetaine, and the like.

Nonionic Co-Surfactant

The personal cleansing compositions of the present invention may comprise a nonionic co-surfactant as the detersive co-surfactant component therein. Nonionic co-surfactants include those compounds produced by condensation of alkylene oxide groups (hydrophilic in nature) with an organic hydrophobic compound, which may be aliphatic or alkyl aromatic in nature.

Concentrations of such co-surfactants will generally range from about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 10%, by weight of the personal cleansing compositions.

Preferred nonionic co-surfactants for use in the personal cleansing compositions include the following:

-   -   (1) polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols, e.g., the         condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group         containing from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms in either a         straight chain or branched chain configuration, with ethylene         oxide, the said ethylene oxide being present in amounts equal to         from about 10 to about 60 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of         alkyl phenol;     -   (2) those derived from the condensation of ethylene oxide with         the product resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and         ethylene diamine products;     -   (3) condensation products of aliphatic alcohols having from         about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, in either straight chain or         branched chain configuration, with ethylene oxide, e.g., a         coconut alcohol ethylene oxide condensate having from about 10         to about 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of coconut alcohol,         the coconut alcohol fraction having from about 10 to about 14         carbon atoms;     -   (4) alkyl polysaccharide (APS) co-surfactants (e.g. alkyl         polyglycosides), examples of which are described in U.S. Pat.         No. 4,565,647, which description is incorporated herein by         reference, and which discloses APS co-surfactants having a         hydrophobic group with about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms and         polysaccharide (e.g., polyglycoside) as the hydrophilic group;         optionally, there can be a polyalkylene-oxide group joining the         hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties; and the alkyl group (i.e.,         the hydrophobic moiety) can be saturated or unsaturated,         branched or unbranched, and unsubstituted or substituted (e.g.,         with hydroxy or cyclic rings); and     -   (5) polyethylene glycol (PEG) glyceryl fatty esters, such as         those of the formula R(O)OCH²CH(OH)CH²(OCH²CH²)_(n)OH wherein n         is from about 5 to about 200, preferably from about 20 to about         100, and R is an aliphatic hydrocarbyl having from about 8 to         about 20 carbon atoms.         Cationic Co-Surfactants

Optional cationic co-surfactants for use as conditioning agents in the personal cleansing compositions will typically contain quaternary nitrogen moieties. Examples of suitable cationic co-surfactants are described in following documents, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety: M.C. Publishing Co., McCutcheon's, Detergents & Emulsifiers, (North American edition 1979); Schwartz, et al., Surface Active Agents, Their Chemistry and Technology, New York: Interscience Publishers, 1949; U.S. Pat. No. 3,155,591; U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678; U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,461 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,090.

Concentrations of such co-surfactants will generally range from about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 10%, by weight of the personal cleansing compositions.

Examples of suitable cationic co-surfactants are those corresponding to the general formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selected from an aliphatic group of from 1 to about 22 carbon atoms or an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 22 carbon atoms; and X is a salt-forming anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulfate, and alkylsulfate radicals. The aliphatic groups can contain, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether linkages, and other groups such as amino groups. The longer chain aliphatic groups, e.g., those of about 12 carbons, or higher, can bc saturated or unsaturated. Preferred is when R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selected from C1 to about C22 alkyl. Especially preferred are cationic materials containing two long alkyl chains and two short alkyl chains or those containing one long alkyl chain and three short alkyl chains. The long alkyl chains in the compounds described in the previous sentence have from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms, and the short alkyl chains in the compounds described in the previous sentence have from 1 to about 3 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to about 2 carbon atoms. Aqueous Liquid Carrier

The personal cleansing compositions herein further contain from about 50% to 99.899%, preferably from about 60% to about 95%, more preferably from about 70% to about 85%, by weight of an aqueous liquid carrier in which the other essential and optional compositions components are dissolved, dispersed or suspended.

One essential component of the aqueous liquid carrier is, of course, water. The aqueous liquid carrier, however, may contain other materials which are liquid, or which dissolve in the liquid carrier, at room temperature and which may also serve some other function besides that of a simple filler. Such materials can include, for example, hydrotropes and co-solvents.

a) Hydrotropes

The aqueous liquid carrier may comprise one or more materials which are hydrotropes. Hydrotropes suitable for use in the compositions herein include the C₁-C₃ alkyl aryl sulfonates, C₆-C₁₂ alkanols, C₁-C₆ carboxylic sulfates and sulfonates, urea, C₁-C₆ hydrocarboxylates, C₁-C₄ carboxylates, C₂-C₄ organic diacids and mixtures of these hydrotrope materials.

Suitable C₁-C₃ alkyl aryl sulfonates include sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium xylene sulfonates; sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium toluene sulfonates; sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium cumene sulfonates; and sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium substituted or unsubstituted naphthalene sulfonates and mixtures thereof.

Suitable C₁-C₈ carboxylic sulfate or sulfonate salts are any water soluble salts or organic compounds comprising 1 to 8 carbon atoms (exclusive of substituent groups), which are substituted with sulfate or sulfonate and have at least one carboxylic group. The substituted organic compound may be cyclic, acylic or aromatic, i.e. benzene derivatives. Preferred alkyl compounds have from 1 to 4 carbon atoms substituted with sulfate or sulfonate and have from 1 to 2 carboxylic groups. Examples of this type of hydrotrope include sulfosuccinate salts, sulfophthalic salts, sulfoacetic salts, m-sulfobenzoic acid salts and diester sulfosuccinates, preferably the sodium or potassium salts as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,915,903.

Suitable C₁-C₄ hydrocarboxylates and C₁-C₄ carboxylates for use herein include acetates and propionates and citrates. Suitable C₂-C₄ diacids for use herein include succinic, glutaric and adipic acids.

Other compounds which deliver hydrotropic effects suitable for use herein as a hydrotrope include C₆-C₁₂ alkanols and urea.

Preferred hydrotropes for use herein are sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium cumene sulfonate; sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium xylene sulfonate; sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium toluene sulfonate and mixtures thereof. Most preferred are sodium cumene sulfonate and sodium xylene sulfonate and mixtures thereof. These preferred hydrotrope materials can be present in the composition to the extent of from about 0.1% to 8% by weight.

b) Co-Solvents

A variety of water-miscible liquids such as lower alkanols, diols, other polyols, ethers, amines, and the like may be used as part of the aqueous liquid carrier. Particularly preferred are the C₁-C₄ alkanols. Such co-solvents can be present in the compositions herein to the extent of up to about 8%. These co-solvents are different to the solvents used in combination with styling polymers as the co-solvents dissolved, dispersed or suspended any or all of the components of the personal cleansing compositions. Whereas, the solvent is concerned with only dispersing, and preferably dissolving, the styling polymer.

Optional Components

The personal cleansing compositions of the present invention may further comprise one or more optional components known for use in shampoo, conditioning and other personal cleansing compositions, provided that the optional components are physically and chemically compatible with the essential component described herein, or do not otherwise unduly impair product stability, aesthetics or performance. Concentrations of such optional components typically range from about 0.001% to about 30% by weight of the personal cleansing compositions, when present.

Optional components include anti static agents, dyes, diluents, emollient oils (such as polyisobutylene, mineral oil, petrolatum and isocetyl stearyl stearate), pearlescent aids, foam boosters, pediculocides, pH adjusting agents, perfumes, preservatives, proteins, antioxidants; chelators and sequestrants; and aesthetic components such as fragrances, colorings, essential oils, skin sensates, astringents, skin soothing agents, skin healing agents and the like, nonlimiting examples of these aesthetic components include panthenol and derivatives (e.g. ethyl panthenol), pantothenic acid and its derivatives, clove oil, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, eugenol, menthyl lactate, witch hazel distillate, allantoin, bisabalol, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and the like, sunscreens, thickeners, vitamins and derivatives thereof (e.g., ascorbic acid, vitamin E, tocopheryl acetate, retinoic acid, retinol, retinoids, and the like), and viscosity adjusting agents. This list of optional components is not meant to be exclusive, and other optional components can be used.

Laundry Bars

The compositions of the present invention may also be in the form of Laundry bars. That is, the compositions are designed for use in hand washing of fabrics and is in the form of a bar.

Detergent surfactant—Laundry bars of the present invention typically comprise 10% to about 60%, preferably about 15% to about 40% of an anionic surfactant. A preferred anionic surfactant for use is an alkyl sulfate (AS) having an alkyl chain of from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched-chain alkylbenzene sulfonate (ABS) having an alkyl chain of from 10 to 22 carbon atoms, a linear-chain alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) having an alkyl chain of from 10 to 22 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

The alkyl portion of said ABS or LAS surfactant preferably contains from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, more preferably from 10 to 14 carbon atoms. Most preferably, the alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant is LAS.

The alkyl portion of the AS surfactant preferably contains from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably from 12 to 16 carbon atoms. The AS surfactant can comprise a mixture of a longer-chain AS, such as one having 16 to 18 carbons, and a shorter-chain alkyl such as one having 11-13 carbons. Preferred AS surfactants include coconut alkyl sulfate, tallow alkylsulfate, and mixtures thereof; most preferably, coconut alkyl sulfate. A preferred anionic surfactant comprises a mixture of AS and alkylbenzene sulfonate. Also preferred are mixtures of AS and LAS surfacants at a ratio of AS:LAS of about 0; 100 to 100:0.

The cation for the ABS, LAS and the AS is preferably sodium, although other useful cations include triethanolamine, potassium, ammonium, magnesium, and calcium, or mixtures thereof.

Other optional surfactants include zwitterionic, nonionic, amphoteric surfactants alone or in conjuction with anionic surfactants.

Detergent Builder—The laundry bars of the present invention comprise from about 5% to about 60% by weight detergent builder. Preferred laundry bars comprise from about 5% to about 30% builder, more preferably from about 7% to about 20%, by weight of the bar. These detergent builders can be, for example, water-soluble alkali-metal salts of phosphates, pyrophosphates, orthophosphates, tripolyphosphates, higher polyphosphates, and mixtures thereof. A preferred builder is a water-soluble alkali-metal salt of tripolyphosphate, and a mixture of tripolyphosphate and pyrophosphate. The builder can also be a non-phosphate detergent builder. Specific examples of a non-phosphorous, inorganic detergency builder include water-soluble inorganic carbonate and bicarbonate salts. The alkali metal (e.g., sodium and potassium) carbonates, bicarbonates, and silicates are particularly useful herein. Specific preferred examples of builders include sodium tripolyphosphates (STPP) and sodium pyrophosphates (TSPP), and mixtures thereof. Other specifically preferred examples of builders include zeolite and polycarboxylates.

Sodium carbonate is a particularly preferred ingredient in laundry bars, since in addition to its use as a builder, it can also provide alkalinity to the laundry bar for improved detergency, and also can serve as a neutralizing agent for acidic components added in the bar processing. Sodium carbonate is particularly preferred as a neutralizing inorganic salt for an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant used in such laundry bars, such as the alkyl sulfuric acid and alkyl benzene sulfonic acid.

Co-polymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid are preferred as auxiliary builders, since it has been observed that their use in combination with the fabric softening clay and the clay flocculating agent further stabilizes and improves the clay deposition and fabric softening performance.

Optional Laundry Bar Componet

Auxiliary Surfactants—The detergent bars of the present invention can contain up to about 70% by weight of optional ingredients commonly used in detergent products. A typical listing of the classes and species optional surfactants, optional builders and other ingredients useful herein appears in U.S. Pat. No. 3,664,961, issued to Norris on May 23, 1972, and EP 550,652, published on Apr. 16, 1992, incorporated herein by reference. The following are representative of such materials, but are not intended to be limiting.

In addition to the auxiliary surfactants mentioned above, a hydrotrope, or mixture of hydrotropes, can be present in the laundry detergent bar. Preferred hydrotropes include the alkali metal, preferably sodium, salts of tolune sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, sulfosuccinate, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the hydrotrope, in either the acid form or the salt form, and being substantially anhydrous, is added to the linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prior to its neutralization. The hydrotrope will preferably be present at from about 0.5% to about 5% of the laundry detergent bar.

Fabric Softening Clay—The fabric softening clay is preferably a smectite-type clay. The smectite-type clays can be described as expandable, three-layer clays; i.e., alumino-silicates and magnesium silicates, having an ion exchange capacity of at least about 50 meq/100 g. of clay. Preferably the clay particles are of a size that they can not be perceived tactilely, so as not to have a gritty feel on the treated fabric of the clothes. The fabric softening clay can be added to the bar to provide about 1% to about 30% by weight of the bar, more preferably from about 5% to about 20%, and most preferably about 8% to 14%.

While any of the smectite-type clays described herein are useful in the present invention, certain clays are preferred. For example, Gelwhite GP is an extremely white form of smectite-type clay and is therefore preferred when formulating white granular detergent compositions. Volclay BC, which is a smectite-type clay mineral containing at least 3% iron (expressed as Fe₂O₃) in the crystal lattice, and which has a very high ion exchange capacity, is one of the most efficient and effective clays for use in the instant compositions from the standpoint of product performance. On the other hand, certain smectite-type clays are sufficiently contaminated by other silicate minerals that their ion exchange capacities fall below the requisite range; such clays are of no use in the instant compositions.

Clay Flocculating Agent—It has been found that the use of a clay flocculating agent in a laundry bar containing softening clay provides surprisingly improved softening clay deposition onto the clothes and clothes softening performance, compared to that of laundry bars comprising softening clay alone. The polymeric clay flocculating agent is selected to provide improved deposition of the fabric softening clay. Typically such materials have a high molecular weight, greater than about 100,000. Examples of such materials can include long chain polymers and copolymers derived from monomers such as ethylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl pyrrolidone, and ethylene imine. Gums, like guar gums, are suitable as well. The preferred clay flocculating agent is a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer. Other Optional Ingredients—A particularly preferred optional component of the present invention is a detergent chelant. Such chelants are able to sequester and chelate alkali cations (such as sodium, lithium and potassium), alkali metal earth cations (such as magnesium and calcium), and most preferably, heavy metal catio such as iron, manganese, zinc and aluminum. Preferred cations include sodium, magnesium, zinc, and mixtures thereof. The detergent chelant is particularly beneficial for maintaining good cleaning performance and improved surfactant mileage, despite the presence of the softening clay and the clay flocculating agent.

The detergent chelant is preferably a phosphonate chelant, particular one selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), ethylene diamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid), and mixtures and salts and complexes thereof, and an acetate chelant, particularly one selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine penta(acetic acid), ethylene diamine tetra(acetic acid), and mixtures and salts and complexes thereof. Particularly preferred are sodium, zinc, magnesium, and aluminum salts and complexes of diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonate) diethylenetriamine penta (acetate), and mixtures thereof.

Preferably such salts or complexes have a molar ratio of metal ion to chelant molecule of at least 1:1, preferably at least 2:1.

The detergent chelant can be included in the laundry bar at a level up to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 3%, more preferably from about 0.2% to about 2%, most preferably from about 0.5% to about 1.0%. Such detergent chelant component can be used beneficially to improve the surfactant mileage of the present laundry bar, meaning that for a given level of anionic surfactant and level of detergent chelant, equivalent sudsing and cleaning performance can be achieved compared to a similar bar containing a higher level of the anionic surfactant but without the detergent chelant.

Another preferred additional component of the laundry bar is fatty alcohol having an alkyl chain of 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Fatty alcohol is effective at reducing the bar wear rate and smear (mushiness) of the present laundry bars. A preferred fatty alcohol has an alkyl chain predominantly containing from 16 to 18 carbon atoms, so-called “high-cut fatty alcohol,” which can exhibit less base odor of fatty alcohol relative to broad cut fatty alcohols. Typically fatty alcohol is contained in the laundry bar at up to a level of 10%, more preferably from about 0.75% to about 6%, most preferably from about 2% to about 5%. The fatty alcohol is generally added to the formulation of the present invention as free fatty alcohol. However, low levels of fatty alcohol can be introduced into the bars as impurities or as unreacted starting material. For example, laundry bars based on coconut fatty alkyl sulfate can contain, as unreacted starting material, from 0.1% to 3.5%, more typically from 2% to 3%, by weight of free coconut fatty alcohol on a coconut fatty alkyl sulfate basis.

Another preferred optional component in the laundry bar is a dye transfer inhibiting (DTI) ingredient to prevent diminishing of color fidelity and intensity in fabrics. A preferred DTI ingredient can include polymeric DTI materials capable of binding fugitives dyes to prevent them from depositing on the fabrics, and decolorization DTI materials capable of decolorizing the fugitives dye by oxidation. An example of a decolorization DTI is hydrogen peroxide or a source of hydrogen peroxide, such as percarbonate or perborate. Non-limiting examples of polymeric DTI materials include polyvinylpyrridine N-oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), PVP-polyvinylimidazole copolymer, and mixtures thereof. Copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole polymers (referred to as “PVPI”) are also preferred for use herein.

Another preferred optional component in the laundry bar is a secondary fabric softener component in addition to the softening clay. Such materials can be used at levels of about 0.1% to 5%, more preferably from 0.3% to 3%, and can include: amines of the formula R₄R₅R₆N, wherein R₄ is C₅ to C₂₂ hydrocarbyl, R₅ and R₆ are independently C₁ to C₁₀ hydrocarbyl. One preferred amine is ditallowmethyl amine; complexes of such amines with fatty acid of the formula R₇C00H, wherein R₇ is C₉ to C₂₂ hydrocarbyl, as disclosed in EP No. 0,133,804; complexes of such amines with phosphate esters of the formula R₈O—P(O)(OH)—OR₉ and HO—P(O)(OH)—OR₉, wherein R₈ and R₉ are independently C₁ to C₂₀ alkyl of alkyl ethoxylate of the formula -alkyl-(OCH₂CH₂); cyclic amines such as imidazolines of the general formula 1-(higher alkyl) amido (lower alkyl)-2-(higher alkyl)imidazoline, where higher alkyl is from 12 to 22 carbons and lower alkyl is from 1 to 4 carbons, such as described in UK Patent Application GB 2,173,827; and quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula R₁₀R₁₁R₁₂R₁₃N⁺X⁻, wherein R₁₀ is alkyl having 8 to 20 carbons, R₁₁ is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, R₁₂ and R₁₃ are alkyl having 1 to 4 carbons, preferably methyl, and X is an anion, preferably Cl⁻ or Br⁻, such as C₁₂₋₁₃ alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride.

Yet another optional component in the laundry bar is a bleach component. The bleaching component can be a source of ^(−OOH) group, such as sodium perborate monohydrate, sodium perborate tetrahydrate and sodium percarbonate. Sodium percarbonate (2Na₂CO₃.3H₂O₂) is preferred since it has a dual function of both a source of HOOH and a source of sodium carbonate.

Another optional bleaching component is a peracid per se, such as a formula: CH₃(CH₂)_(w)—NH—C(O)—(CH₂)_(z)CO₃H wherein z is from 2 to 4 and w is from 4 to 10. (The compound of the latter formula where z is 4 and w is 8 is hereinafter referred to as NAPAA.) The bleaching component can contain, as a bleaching component stabilizer, a chelating agent of polyaminocarboxylic acids, polyaminocarboxylates such as ethylenediamino-tetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminopentaacetic acid, and ethylenediaminodisuccinic acid, and their salts with water-soluble alkali metals. The bleach components can be added to the bar at a level up to 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 2% to about 6%.

Sodium sulfate is a well-known filler that is compatible with the compositions of this invention. It can be a by-product of the surfactant sulfation and sulfonation processes, or it can be added separately.

Calcium carbonate (also known as Calcarb) is also a well known and often used component of laundry bars. Such materials are typically used at levels up to 40%, preferably from about 5% to about 25%.

Binding agents for holding the bar together in a cohesive, soluble form can also be used, and include natural and synthetic starches, gums, thickeners, and mixtures thereof.

Soil suspending agents can be used. In the present invention, their use is balanced with the fabric softening clay/clay flocculating agent combination to provide optimum cleaning and fabric softening performance. Soil suspending agents can also include water-soluble salts of carboxymethylcellulose and carboxyhydroxy-methylcellulose. A preferred soil suspending agent is an acrylic/maleic copolymer, commercially available as Sokolan®, from BASF Corp. Other soil suspending agents include polyethylene glycols having a molecular weight of about 400 to 10,000, and ethoxylated mono- and polyamines, and quaternary salts thereof.

Optical brighteners are also preferred optional ingredients in laundry bars of the present invention. Preferred optical brighteners are diamino stilbene, distyrilbiphenyl-type optical brighteners. Preferred as examples of such brighteners are 4,4′-bis {[4-anilino-6-bis(2-hydoxyethyl) amino-1,3,5-trizin-2-yl]amino} stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid disodium salt, 44′-bis(2-sulfostyryl) biphenyl and 4,4′-bis[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl) amino]stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid disodium salt. Such optical brighteners, or mixtures thereof, can be used at levels in the bar of from about 0.05%-1.0%.

Dyes, pigments, germicides, and perfumes can also be added to the bar composition.

Processes for Preparing the Compositions

The compositions of the present invention can be prepared in any conventional manner appropriate to the desired form and application of the composition. Such as mixing, spray drying, plodding etc.

Processing of Laundry Bars—The detergent laundry bars of the present invention can be processed in conventional soap or detergent bar making equipment with some or all of the following key equipment: blender/mixer, mill or refining plodder, two-stage vacuum plodder, logo printer/cutter, cooling tunnel and wrapper.

In a typical process, the raw materials are mixed in the blender. Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (when used) is added into a mixture of alkaline inorganic salts (preferably which includes sodium carbonate) and the resulting partially neutralized mixture is mechanically worked to effect homogeneity and complete neutralization of the mixture. Once the neutralization reaction is completed, the alkyl sulfate surfactant is added, followed by the remaining other ingredient materials. The mixing can take from 1 minute to 1 hour, with the usual mixing time being from 2 to 20 minutes. The blender mix is discharged to a surge tank. The product is conveyed from the surge tank to the mill or refining plodder via a multi-worn transfer conveyor.

The alkyl benzene sulfonic acid (HLAS) can be made by well-known processes, such as with SO₃ or oleum. It can be preferably to include excess inorganic sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) in the stock of HLAS, which, upon neutralization, helps to increase the temperature of the product due to the heat of neutralization of the inorganic sulfuric acid.

After milling or preliminary plodding, the product is then conveyed to a double stage vacuum plodder, operating at a high vacuum, e.g. 600 to 740 millimeters of mercury vacuum, so that entrapped air is removed. The product is extruded and cut to the desired bar length, and printed with the product brand name. The printed bar can be cooled, for example in a cooling tunnel, before it is wrapped, cased, and sent to storage.

Examples of compositions of the present invention are listed hereafter by way of exemplification, and not by way of limitation.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate the preparation and performance advantages of the suds boosting polymers containing compositions of the instant invention. Such examples, however, are not necessarily meant to limit or otherwise define the scope of the invention herein. All parts, percentages and ratios used herein are expressed as percent weight unless otherwise specified. In the following Examples, the abbreviations for the various ingredients used for the compositions have the following meanings.

ABBREVIATIONS LAS Sodium linear alkyl benzene sulfonate MLAS Modified Alkyl Benzene sulfonate MBAS_(x) Mid-chain branched primary alkyl (average total carbons = x) sulfate MBAE_(x)S_(z) Mid-chain branched primary alkyl (average total carbons = z) ethoxylate (average EO = x) sulfate, sodium salt MBAE_(x) Mid-chain branched primary alkyl (average total carbons = x) ethoxylate (average EO = 5) Endolase Endoglunase enzyme of activity 3000 CEVU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S MEA Monoethanolamine PG Propanediol BPP Butoxy-propoxy-propanol EtOH Ethanol NaOH Solution of sodium hydroxide NaTS Sodium toluene sulfonate Citric acid Anhydrous citric acid CxyFA C_(1x)-C_(1y) fatty acid CxyEz A C_(1x-1y) branched primary alcohol condensed with an average of z moles of ethylene oxide Carbonate Anhydrous sodium carbonate with a particle size between 200 μm and 900 μm Citrate Tri-sodium citrate dihydrate of activity 86.4% with a particle size distribution between 425 μm and 850 μm TFAA C16-18 alkyl N-methyl glucamide LMFAA C12-C14 alkyl N-methyl glucamide APA C8-C10 amido propyl dimethyl amine Fatty Acid C12-C14 fatty acid (C12/14) Fatty Acid (TPK) Topped palm kernel fatty acid Fatty Acid (RPS) Rapeseed fatty acid Borax Na tetraborate decahydrate PAA Polyacrylic Acid (mw = 4500) PEG Polyethylene glycol (mw = 4600) MES Alkyl methyl ester sulfonate SAS Secondary alkyl sulfate NaPS Sodium paraffin sulfonate C45AS Sodium C₁₄-C₁₅ linear alkyl sulfate CxyAS Sodium C_(1x)-C_(1y) alkyl sulfate (or other salt if specified) CxyEzS Sodium C_(1x)-C_(1y) alkyl sulfate condensed with z moles of ethylene oxide (or other salt if specified) CxyEz A C_(1x-1y) branched primary alcohol condensed with an average of z moles of ethylene oxide AQA R₂.N⁺(CH₃)_(x)((C₂H₄O)yH)z with R₂ = C₈-C₁₈ x + z = 3, x = 0 to 3, z = 0 to 3, y = 1 to 15. STPP Anhydrous sodium tripolyphosphate Zeolite A Hydrated Sodium Aluminosilicate of formula Na₁₂(A10₂SiO₂)₁₂.27H₂O having a primary particle size in the range from 0.1 to 10 micrometers NaSKS-6 Crystalline layered silicate of formula δ-Na₂Si₂O₅ Carbonate Anhydrous sodium carbonate with a particle size between 200 μm and 900 μm Bicarbonate Anhydrous sodium bicarbonate with a particle size distribution between 400 μm and 1200 μm Silicate Amorphous Sodium Silicate (SiO₂:Na₂O; 2.0 ratio) Sulfate Anhydrous sodium sulfate PAE ethoxylated (15-18) tetraethylene pentamine PIE ethoxylated polyethylene imine PAEC methyl quarternized ethoxylated dihexylene triamine MA/AA Copolymer of 1:4 maleic/acrylic acid, average molecular weight about 70,000. CMC Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose Protease Proteolytic enzyme of activity 4 KNPU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename Savinase Cellulase Cellulytic enzyme of activity 1000 CEVU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename Carezyme Amylase Amylolytic enzyme of activity 60 KNU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename Termamyl 60T Lipase Lipolytic enzyme of activity 100 kLU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename Lipolase PBl Anhydrous sodium perborate bleach of nominal formula NaBO₂.H₂O₂ Percarborate Sodium Percarbonate of nominal formula 2Na₂CO₃.3H₂O₂ NaDCC Sodium dichloroisocyanurate NOBS Nonanoyloxybenzene, sulfonate, sodium salt TAED Tetraacetylethylenediamine DTPMP Diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonate), marketed by Monsanto under Trade name Dequest 2060 Photoactivated bleach Sulfonated Zinc Phthalocyanine bleach encapsulated in dextrin soluble polymer Brightener 1 Disodium 4,4′-bis(2-sulphostyryl)biphenyl Brightener 2 Disodium 4,4′-bis(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1.3.5- triazin-2-yl)amino) stilbene-2-2′-disulfonate. HEDP 1,1-hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid SRP 1 Sulfobenzoyl end capped esters with oxyethyle oxy and terephthaloyl backbone SRP 2 sulfonated ethoxylated terephthalate polymer SRP 3 methyl capped ethoxylated terephthalate polymer Silicone antifoam Polydimethylsiloxane foam controller with siloxane- oxyalkylene copolymer as dispersing agent with a ratio of said foam controller to said dispersing agent of 10:1 to 100:1. SUDS1 Poly(DMAM-co-DMA) (3:1) Copolymer prepared according to Example 1 below SUDS2 (DMAM), prepared according to Example 2 below SUDS3 Poly(DMAM-co-AA) (2:1) Copolymer prepared according to Example 3 below SUDS4 Poly(DMAM-co-MAA) (2:1) Copolymer prepared according to Example 4 below SUDS5 Poly(DMAM-co-MAA-co-AA) (4:1:1) Terpolymer prepared according to Example 5 below. SUDS6 Poly(DMAM-co-MAA-co-DMA) (4:1:1) Terpolymer prepared according to Example 6 below SUDS7 (DMAM), prepared according to Example 7 below SUDS8 Poly(DMA -co-DMAM) (3:1) Copolymer, prepared according to Example 8 below SUDS9 zwitterionic polymer prepared according to Example 9 below SUDS10 zwitterionic polymer prepared according to Example 10 below SUDS11 Polypeptide comprising Lys, Ala, Glu, Tyr (5:6:2:1) having a molecular weight of approximately 52,000 daltons SUDS12 Lysozyme SUDS13 LX1279 available from Baker Petrolite Isofol 16 Condea trademark for C16 (average) Guerbet alcohols CaCl2 Calcium chloride MgCl2 Magnesium chloride DTPA Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Poly(DMAM-co-DMA) (3:1) Copolymer

2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (20.00 g, 127.2 mmol), N,N-dimethylacrylamide (4.20 g 424 mmol), 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (0.14 g, 0.85 mmol), 1,4-dioxane (75 ml) and 2-propanol (15 ml) are placed into a 250 ml three-necked round-bottomed flask, fitted with a heating mantle, magnetic stirrer, internal thermometer and argon inlet. The mixture is subjected to three freeze-pump-thaw cycles to remove dissolved oxygen. The mixture is heated for 18 hours with stirring at 65° C. TLC (diethyl ether) indicates consumption of monomer. The mixture is concentrated under vacuum by rotary evaporation to remove the solvent. Water is added to make a 10% solution and the mixture is dialyzed (3500 MWCO) against water, lyophilized and then pulverized in a blender to yield a white powder. NMR is consistent with the desired compound.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of Poly(DMAM) Polymer

2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (3000.00 g, 19.082 mol), 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (15.67 g, 0.095 mol), 1,4-dioxane (10.5 L) and 2-propanol (2.1 L) are placed into a 22 L three-necked round-bottomed flask, fitted with a reflux condenser, heating mantle, mechanical stirrer, internal thermometer and argon inlet. The mixture is sparged with argon for 45 minutes with vigorous stirring to remove dissolved oxygen. The mixture is heated for 18 hours with stirring at 65° C. TLC (diethyl ether) indicates consumption of monomer. The mixture is concentrated under vacuum by rotary evaporation to remove the bulk of solvent. A 50:50 mixture of water:t-butanol is added to dissolve the product and the t-butanol is removed under vacuum by rotary evaporation. Water is added to make a 10% solution and the mixture is lyophilized and then pulverized in a blender to yield a white powder. NMR is consistent with the desired compound.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of Poly(DMAM-co-AA) (2:1) Copolymer

2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (90.00 g, 572.4 mmol), acrylic acid (20.63 g, 286.2 mmol), 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (0.70 g, 4.3 mmol), 1,4-dioxane (345 ml) and 2-propanol (86 ml) are placed into a 1000 ml three-necked round-bottomed flask, fitted with a heating mantle, magnetic stirrer, internal thermometer and argon inlet. The mixture is sparged with nitrogen for 30 minutes to remove dissolved oxygen. The mixture is heated for 18 hours with stirring at 65° C. TLC (diethyl ether) indicates consumption of monomer. The mixture is concentrated under vacuum by rotary evaporation to remove the solvent. Water is added to make a 10% solution and the mixture is lyophilized and then pulverized in a blender to yield an off-white-peach powder. NMR is consistent with the desired compound.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of Poly(DMAM-co-MAA) (2:1) Copolymer

2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (98.00 g, 623.3 mmol), methacrylic acid (26.83 g, 311.7 mmol), 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (0.77 g, 4.7 mmol), 1,4-dioxane (435 ml) and 2-propanol (108 ml) are placed into a 1000 ml three-necked round-bottomed flask, fitted with a heating mantle, magnetic stirrer, internal thermometer and argon inlet. The mixture is sparged with nitrogen for 30 minutes to remove dissolved oxygen. The mixture is heated for 18 hours with stirring at 65° C. TLC (diethyl ether) indicates consumption of monomer. The mixture is concentrated under vacuum by rotary evaporation to remove the solvent. Water is added to make a 10% solution and the mixture is lyophilized and then pulverized in a blender to yield a white powder. NMR is consistent with the desired compound.

EXAMPLE 5 Poly(DMAM-co-MAA-co-AA) (4:1: Terpolymer

Poly(DMAM-co-MAA-co-AA) (4:1:1). The procedure of Example 4 is repeated with the substitution of an equimolar amount of methacrylic acid with a 1:1 mixture of methacrylic acid and acrylic acid.

EXAMPLE 6 Poly(DMAM-co-MAA-co-DMA) (4:1:1) Terpolymer

Poly(DMAM-co-MAA-co-AA) (4:1:1). The procedure of Example 4 is repeated with the substitution of an equimolar amount of methacrylic acid with a 1:1 mixture of methacrylic acid and N,N-dimethylacrylamide.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of Poly(DMAM) Polymer

Polyacrylic acid is esterified with 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol using well known methods such as one described in Org. Syn. Coll. Vol. 3 610 (1955).

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of Poly(DMA-co-DMAM) (3:1) Copolymer

The procedure of Example 1 is repeated except that 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (6.67 g, 42.4 mmol), N,N-dimethylacrylamide (12.6 g 127.2 mmol) is used instead, to give a ratio in the polymer of DMA to DMAM of 3:1.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of Zwitterionic Polymer

Reaction of (1-octene/maleic anhydride) Copolymer with 1 Equivalent of DMAPA

Poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octene) (15.00 g) and tetrahydrofuran (200 ml, anhydrous) are placed into a 250 ml three-necked round-bottom flask, fitted with a heating mantle, magnetic stirrer, dropping funnel, internal thermometer and argon inlet. 3-Dimethylaminopropylamine (7.65 g, 74.87 mmol) is added dropwise over 15 minutes, with an exotherm to 30° C. and heavy precipitation. The mixture is stirred for 4 hours at 55° C. The mixture is poured into 3:1 ethyl ether:hexanes to precipitate the product which is dried under vacuum to yield a white powder. NMR is consistent with the desired compound.

EXAMPLE 10 Reaction of (1-hexene/maleic anhydride) Copolymer with 1 Equivalent of DMAPA

Poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-hexene) (15.00 g) and pyridine (150 ml, anhydrous) are placed into a 250 ml three-necked round-bottom flask, fitted with a heating mantle, magnetic stirrer, dropping funnel, internal thermometer and argon inlet. There is a slight exotherm and the mixture is dark. 3-Dimethylaminopropylamine (9.25 g, 90.53 mmol) is added dropwise over 15 minutes, with an exotherm to 45° C. The mixture is stirred for 4 hours at 80° C. The mixture is concentrated by rotary evaporation, dissolved into water and lyophilized to yield a yellow powder. NMR is consistent with the desired compound.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of LAS Powder for Use as a Structurant

Sodium C₁₂ linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (NaLAS) is processed into a powder containing two phases. One of these phases is soluble in the non-aqueous liquid detergent compositions herein and the other phase is insoluble. It is the insoluble fraction which serves to add structure and particle suspending capability to the non-aqueous phase of the compositions herein.

NaLAS powder is produced by taking a slurry of NaLAS in water (approximately 40-50% active) combined with dissolved sodium sulfate (3-15%) and hydrotrope, sodium sulfosuccinate (1-3%). The hydrotrope and sulfate are used to improve the characteristics of the dry powder. A drum dryer is used to dry the slurry into a flake. When the NaLAS is dried with the sodium sulfate, two distinct phases are created within the flake. The insoluble phase creates a network structure of aggregate small particles (0.4-2 um) which allows the finished non-aqueous detergent product to stably suspend solids.

The NaLAS powder prepared according to this example has the following makeup shown below.

LAS Powder Component Wt. % NaLAS 85% Sulfate 11% Sulfosuccinate 2% Water 2.5% Unreacted, etc. balance to 100% % insoluble LAS 17% # of phase (via X-ray diffraction) 2

EXAMPLE 12

Non-aqueous based heavy duty liquid laundry detergent compositions (A to E) which comprise the mid-chain branched surfactants of the present invention are presented below.

Non-Aqueous Liquid Detergent Composition with Bleach Wt % Wt % Wt % Wt % Wt % Component A B C D E LAS, From Example 1 16 13 36 8 2 Mid-branched Surfactant 22 25 0 30 34 BPP 19 19 19 19 19 Sodium citrate dihydrate 3 3 3 3 3 Bleach activator 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 Sodium carbonate 9 9 9 9 9 SUDS3 0.2 0.5 1.0 0.1 0.5 Maleic-acrylic copolymer 3 3 3 3 3 Colored speckles 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 EDDS 1 1 1 1 1 Cellulase Prills 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Amylase Prills 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Ethoxylated diamine quat 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 Sodium Perborate 15 15 15 15 15 Optionals including: balance balance balance balance balance brightener, colorant, perfume, thickener, suds suppressor, colored speckles, etc. 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

The resulting compositions are stable, anhydrous heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents which provide excellent stain and soil removal performance when used in normal fabric laundering operations.

EXAMPLE 13

A non-limiting example of bleach-containing nonaqueous liquid laundry detergent is prepared having the composition as set forth below.

Component Wt. % Range (% wt.) Liquid Phase LAS 25.0 18-35 C₂₄ E5 or MBAE_(14.3) 13.6 10-20 Hexylene glycol 27.3 20-30 Perfume 0.4   0-1.0 SUDS1 0.2 0.01 to 5.0  MBAE₂S_(14.4) 2.3   1-3.0 Solid Phase Protease 0.4   0-1.0 Citrate 4.3 3-6 PBl 3.4 2-7 NOBS 8.0  2-12 Carbonate 13.9  5-20 DTPA 0.9   0-1.5 Brightener 1 0.4   0-0.6 Silicone antifoam 0.1   0-0.3 Minors Balance

The resulting composition is an anhydrous heavy duty liquid laundry detergent which provides excellent stain and soil removal performance when used in normal fabric laundering operations.

EXAMPLE 14

Liquid detergent compositions are made according to the following.

A B C D C₂₅ AE3S 2 8 17 5 MBAS_(14.4) 15 12 0 8 C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyldimethyl amine oxide — — — 2 SUDS2 0.1 0.2 2.0 0.7 C₂₅ AS 6 4 6 8 C₂₄ N-methyl glucamide 5 4 3 3 C₂₄ AE5 6 1 1 1 C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty acid 11 4 4 3 Citric acid 1 3 3 2 DTPMP 1 1 1 0.5 MEA 8 5 5 2 NaOH 1 2.5 1 1.5 PG 14.5 13.1 10.0 8 EtOH 1.8 4.7 5.4 1 Amylase (300 KNU/g) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Lipase D96/L (100 KNU/g) 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Protease (35 g/l) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5) Endolase 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Cellulase 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 Terephthalate-based polymer 0.5 — 0.3 0.3 Boric acid 2.4 2.8 2.8 2.4 Sodium xylene sulfonate — 3 — — 2-butyl-octanol 1 1 1 1 Branched silicone 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Water & minors Up to 100%

The above liquid detergent compositions (A-D) are found to be very efficient in the removal of a wide range of stains and soils from fabrics under various usage conditions.

The Following Examples illustrate aqueous based liquid detergent compositions according to the present invention.

EXAMPLE 15

Aqueous based heavy duty liquid laundry detergent compositions F to J which comprise the mid-chain branched surfactants of the present invention are presented below.

Ingredient F G H I J MBAE1.8- 10 12 14 16 20 S14.4 Na C25AE- 10 8 6 4 0 1.8S C23E9 2 2 2 2 2 LMFAA 5 5 5 5 0 SUDS3 0.01 0.2 1.0 1.5 0.8 Citric acid 3 3 3 3 5 builder Fatty acid 2 2 2 2 0 builder PAE 1 1 1.2 1.2 0.5 PG 8 8 8 8 4.5 EtOH 4 4 4 4 2 Boric acid 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 2 Sodium 3 3 3 3 0 Cumene Sulfonate pH = 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 7.0 Enzymes, balance balance balance balance balance dyes, water 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

EXAMPLE 16

The following aqueous liquid laundry detergent compositions K to O are prepared in accord with the invention:

K L M N O MBAE1.8S14.4 and/or 0  7-12 12-17 17-22 1-35 MBAS14.4 Any combination of: 15-21 10-15  5-10 0-5 0-25 C25 AExS*Na (x = 1.8-2.5) C25 AS (linear to high 2-alkyl) C14-17 NaPS C12-16 SAS C18 1,4 disulfate LAS C12-16 MES LMFAA   0-3.5   0-3.5   0-3.5   0-3.5 0-8 C23E9 or C23E6.5 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-8 SUDS13 0.15 0.35 .55 1.75 0.3 APA 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5-2 Citric Acid 5 5 5 5 0-8 Fatty Acid (TPK 2 2 2 2 0-14 or C12/14) EtOH 4 4 4 4 0-8 PG 6 6 6 6 0-10 MEA 1 1 1 1 0-3 NaOH 3 3 3 3 0-7 Na TS 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 0-4 Na formate 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0-1 Borax 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 0-5 Protease 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0-1.3 Lipase 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0-0.3 Amylase 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0-0.4 Cellulase 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0-0.2 PAE   0-0.6   0-0.6   0-0.6   0-0.6 0-2.5 PIE 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 0-2.5 PAEC   0-0.4   0-0.4   0-0.4   0-0.4 0-2 SRP 2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0-0.5 Brightener 1 or 2 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0-0.5 Silicone antifoam 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0-0.3 Fumed Silica 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 0-0.003 Perfume 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0-0.6 Dye 0.0013 0.0013 0.0013 0.0013 0-0.003 Moisture/minors Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance Product pH (10% 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.7 6-9.5 in DI water)

Various bar compositions can be made using the method described above.

EXAMPLE 17

(weight percent) A B C D E F G H I NaCFAS (C₁₂₋₁₈) 15.75 15.75 19.13 11.20 22.50 13.50 Na(C₁₂₋₁₈)LAS 6.75 6.75 3.38 8.80 19.00 15.00 21.00 Na₂CO₃ 15.00 5.00 15.00 15.00 10.0 3.00 13.0 8.00 10.0 DTPP¹ 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.60 0.60 SUDS13 0.5 0.1 SUDS3 0.2 0.25 0.8 0.15 0.2 SUDS12 0.2 0.2 SUDS1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 PEO-300M² 0.30 0.30 PEO-600M 0.20 0.20 Bentonite clay 10.0 10.0 5.0 Sokolan CP-5³ 0.40 0.70 0.40 0.70 0.40 1.00 0.20 TSPP 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 STPP 5.00 10.00 5.00 10.00 10.00 15.00 Zeolite 1.25 1.25 1.00P 1.25 1.25 1.25 Sodium laurate 9.00 SRP-A⁴ 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.22 0.22 Protease enzyme⁵ 0.08 0.12 0.08 0.08 Amylase enzyme⁶ 0.80 0.80 Lipase enzyme 0.10 0.10 Cellulase enzyme⁷ 0.15 0.15 ---------------------------Balance⁸----------------------

-   -   1. Sodium diethylenetriamine penta (phosphonate)     -   2. PEO is poly(ethylene oxide) having a molecular weight as         indicated.     -   3. Sokolan CP-5 is maleic-acrylic copolymer     -   4. SRP-A is         -   NaO₃S(CH₂CH₂O)₂—C(O)—(C₆H₄)—C(O)O—[—CH₂CRH—O—C(O)—(C₆H₄)—C(O)O—]⁴—             -   —[—CH₂CRH—O—C(O)—(C₆H₄)SO₃Na—C(O)O—]₁—CH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂SO₃Na,     -   wherein R is H or CH₃ in a ratio of about 1.8:1.     -   5. Protease activity at 1 Au/gm stock.     -   6. Amylase activity at 100,000 amu/gm stock.     -   7. Carezyme® cellulase, supplied by Novo Nordisk, activity at         5000 Cevu/gm stock.     -   8. Balance comprises water (about 2% to 8%, including water of         hydration), sodium sulfate, calcium carbonate, and other minor         ingredients.

EXAMPLE 18

The following compositions were made by mixing the listed ingredients in the listed proportions. These compositions were used neat to clean marble and dilute to clean lacquered wooden floors. Excellent cleaning and surface safety performance was observed.

A B C D E F G H MLAS 3.0 3.0 5.0 3.2 3.2 3.2 8.0 8.0 Dobanol ® 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.5 3.0 3.5 23-3 Empilan 2.0 2.0 2.5 1.9 1.9 2.0 5.0 6.0 KBE21+ NaPS 2.0 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.7 3.0 2.5 SUDS5 0.1 2.5 0.1 0.05 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.25 NaCS 1.2 3.0 2.2 2.0 2.0 1.5 4.0 5.0 MgSO4 0.20 0.9 0.30 0.50 1.3 2.0 1.0 3.0 Citrate 0.3 1.0 0.5 0.75 1.8 3.0 1.5 6.0 NaHCO3 0.06 0.1 — 0.1 — 0.2 — — Na2HPO4 — — 0.1 — 0.3 — — — Na2H2P2O7 — — — — — — 0.2 0.5 pH 8.0 7.5 7.0 7.25 8.0 7.4 7.5 7.2 Water and q.s. to 100% Minors As used hereinabove:

-   NaPS stands for Na paraffin sulphonate -   NaCS stands for Na cumene sulphonate -   Dobanol® 23-3 is a C12-13 alcohol ethoxylated with an average     ethoxylation degree of 3. -   Empilan KBE21 is a C12-14 alcohol ethoxylated with an average     ethoxylation degree of 21.

EXAMPLE 19

I J K L M N C13-15 EO30 1 — — — — — C12-14 EO20 — — 1 1.7 — — C12-14PO3EO7 — — — — — 2 C12-14 EO10 — — — — 2 — C10-12 EO10 — 1.5 — — — — SUDS7 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.2 0.1 MLAS — — 2.4 — 2.4 2.4 C11EO5 — — — 5 — — C12-14 EO5 4.2 3.0 3.6 — 3.6 3.6 C9-11 EO4 — 3.0 — — — — C12-OH — 0.3 — — — — 2-Hexyl decanol — — — 0.4 — — 2-Butyl octanol 0.3 — 0.3 — 0.3 0.3 MBAS — — 1.0 — 1.0 1.0 MBAES 1.0 1.3 — 1.5 — — Citrate 0.7 1.0 0.7 1.0 0.7 0.7 Na2CO3 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6

EXAMPLE 20

The following compositions were made by mixing the listed ingredients in the listed proportions:

Weight % Ingredients FF GG HH II MLAS 4 — 3 4 Alcohol ethoxylate 30EO (1) 2 — — 2 Alcohol ethoxylate 12EO (2) — 3 — — Alcohol benzene ethoxylate 10EO (4) — — 3 — SUDS8 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.5 Citric acid 2 2 2 3 Butylcarbitol^(R) 4 4 4 7 n-butoxypropoxypropanol — — — 2.5 Triethanolamine 1 1 2 1 water & minors q.s. to 100% In the examples hereinabove, (1) is a highly ethoxylated nonionic surfactant wherein R is a mixture of C₁₃ and C₁₅ alkyl chains and n is 30. (2) is a highly ethoxylated nonionic surfactant wherein R is a mixture of C₁₃ and C₁₅ alkyl chains and n is 12. (3) is a lower ethoxylated nonionic surfactant wherein n is 7. (4) is a highly ethoxylated nonionic surfactant wherein R is a mixture of C₁₉ and C₂₁ alkyl benzene chains and n is 10. Compositions FF-MM described hereinabove can be used neat or diluted. In a method according to the present invention, these compositions are diluted in 65 times their weight of water and applied to a hard surface.

EXAMPLE 21

The following compositions were tested for their cleaning performance when used diluted on greasy soil.

The following compositions were made by mixing the listed ingredients in the listed proportions:

Weight % Ingredients NN OO PP Sodium paraffin sulfonate 1.0 3 3 Alcohol ethoxylate 7EO 4 — — Alcohol ethoxylate 30EO — 3 2 C12-14 EO21 alcohol ethoxylate 1.0 — — SUDS3 0.2 0.3 4.0 MLAS 5.0 0 2 Sodium Citrate 3 3 3 Butylcarbitol^(R) 4 4 4 Triethanolamine 1 1 1 water & minors up to 100%

EXAMPLE 22 A SHAMPOO COMPOSITION

Weight % Components A B TEA C12-C14 Alkyl Sulfate 10.00 — NH4 C12-C14 Alkyl (Ethoxy)3 Sulfate — 7.90 SUDS1 0.2 1.0 Cocamide MEA 3.00 1.50 Dimethicone DC-200* 3.00 3.00 Ethylene Glycol Disterate 1.50 1.50 Citric acid 0.60 0.60 Trisodium citrate 0.30 — Q.S. Color, preservative, Perfume and q.s. to 100% q.s. to 100% water

EXAMPLE 23

The following are personal cleansing compositions of the present invention.

Weight % Component C D Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate 2.5 9.5 Ammonium Laureth (3) Sulfate 8.5 8.5 JAGUAR c-17¹ 0.5 0.5 MBAS 6.0 — SUDS9 1.0 0.3 Coconut Monoethanol Amide 1.0 1.0 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 2.0 2.0 Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate 1.0 1.0 Tricetyl Methyl Ammonium 0.5 0.5 Chloride Polydimethylsiloxane² 2.0 2.0 Cetyl Alcohol 0.4 0.4 Stearyl Alcohol 0.2 0.2 Perfume 1.0 1.0 Color Solution 0.6 0.6 Preservative 0.4 0.4 Water and Minors q.s. to 100% q.s. to 100% 1. Tradename for guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, a cationic polymer available from Rhone-Poulenc (Cranbury, N.J., USA). 2. A 40/60 weight ratio blend of polydimethylsiloxane gum (GE SE 76, available from General Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y., USA) and polydimethylsiloxane fluid (about 350 centistokes). The composition can provide excellent in-use hair cleaning and conditioning. As an alternative, the JAGUAR C-17 can be replaced with LUVIQUAT FC 370.

EXAMPLE 24

The following are personal cleansing compositions of the present invention.

Weight % Component E F Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate 4.2 2.2 Ammonium Laureth (3) Sulfate 9.2 9.2 POLYMER LR 400¹ 1.0 1.0 MBAS — 6.0 Coconut Monoethanol Amide 1.0 1.0 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 2.0 2.0 Light Mineral Oil 1.0 1.0 Tricetyl Methyl Ammonium 0.5 0.5 Chloride SUDS1 0.75 1.25 Polydimethylsiloxane² 1.5 1.5 Cetyl Alcohol 0.4 0.4 Stearyl Alcohol 0.2 0.2 Perfume 1.2 1.2 Color Solution 0.6 0.6 Preservative 0.4 0.4 Water and Minors q.s. to 100% q.s. to 100% 1. Cellulose, 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethyl ammonio)propoxy] ethyl ether, chloride, a cationic polymer available from Amerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA).

2. A 40160 weight ratio blend of polydimethylsiloxane gum (GE SE 76, available from General Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y., USA) and polydimethylsiloxane fluid (about 350 centistokes).

The composition can provide excellent in-use hair cleaning and conditioning.

EXAMPLE 25

The following is an example of a personal cleansing composition of the present invention wherein the cationic polymer and anionic surfactant component form a complex coacervate phase.

Weight % Component G Ammonium Laureth (3) Sulfate 4.0 LUVIQUAT FC 370¹ 0.5 BAS² 13.5 Coconut Monoethanol Amide 1.0 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 2.0 Light Mineral Oil 0.5 SUDS8 0.45 Tricetyl Methyl Ammonium Chloride 0.5 Polydimethylsiloxane² 3.0 Cetyl Alcohol 0.4 Stearyl Alcohol 0.2 Perfume 1.0 Color Solution 0.6 Preservative 0.4 Water and Minors 73.8 1. Tradename of BASF Wyandotte Corporation (Parsippany, N.J., USA) for copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and methyl vinyl imidazolium chloride. 2. The Mid-Chain Branched surfactants according to example II. 3. A 40/60 weight ratio blend of polydimethylsiloxane gum (GE SE 76, available from General Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y., USA) and polydimethylsiloxane fluid (about 350 centistokes). The composition can provide excellent in-use hair cleaning and conditioning. As an alternative, the LUVIQUAT FC 370 can be replaced with JAGUAR C-17.

EXAMPLE 26

The following is an example of a personal cleansing composition of the present invention.

Weight % Component H Cocoamidopropyl Betaine 4.0 Ammonium Laureth (3) Sulfate 8.0 Coconut Monoethanol Amide 2.0 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 2.0 Polymer JR-125¹ 1.0 MBAS 4.0 SUDS2 0.2 Isopropyl Isostearate 1.0 Tricetyl Methyl Ammonium Chloride 0.5 Polydimethylsiloxane² 1.5 Cetyl Alcohol 0.4 Stearyl Alcohol 0.2 Perfume 1.0 Color Solution 0.6 Preservative 0.4 Water and Minors q.s. to 100% 1. Cellulose, 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethyl ammonio)propoxy] ethyl ether, chloride, available from Amerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA). 2. VISCASIL 12,500 cS silicone fluid, available from General Electric (Waterford, N.Y., USA).

EXAMPLE 27

The following are personal cleansing compositions of the present invention.

Weight % Component I J Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate 8.5 2.0 Ammonium Laureth (3) Sulfate 4.0 4.0 Polymer LM-200¹ 1.0 1.0 MBAS 5.0 11.5 Light Mineral Oil 1.0 1.0 Coconut Monoethanol Amide 1.0 1.0 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 2.0 2.0 SUDS6 0. 0.1 Tricetyl Methyl Ammonium Chloride 0.5 0.5 Polydimethylsiloxane² 3.0 3.0 Cetyl Alcohol 0.4 0.4 Stearyl Alcohol 0.2 0.2 Perfume 1.0 1.0 Color Solution 0.6 0.6 Preservative 0.4 0.4 Water and Minors q.s. to q.s. to 100% 100% 1. Polyquaternium 24, a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with lauryl dimethyl ammonium-substituted epoxide, available from Amerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA).

2. A 40/60 weight ratio blend of polydimethylsiloxane gum (GE SE 76, available from General Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y., USA) and polydimethylsiloxane fluid (about 350 centistokes).

EXAMPLE 28

The following is a personal cleansing composition of the present invention wherein the cationic polymer and anionic surfactant component form a complex coacervate phase.

Weight % Component K Ammonium Laureth (3) Sulfate 8.5 GAFQUAT 755N¹ 0.5 FLEXAN 130³ 0.5 Coconut Monoethanol Amide 1.0 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 2.0 MBAS 8.5 Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate 1.0 Tricetyl Methyl Ammonium Chloride 0.5 Polydimethylsiloxane² 2.0 Cetyl Alcohol 0.4 SUDS5 0.1 Stearyl Alcohol 0.2 Perfume 1.0 Color Solution 0.6 Preservative 0.4 Water and Minors q.s. to 100% 1. Copolymer of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and dimethylamino-ethylmethacrylate, available from GAF Corp., Wayne, N.J., USA. 2. VISCASIL, 600,000 cS, from General Electric, Waterford, N.Y., USA. 3. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, an anionic polymer available from National Starch and Chemical Corp., Bridgewater, N.J., USA. The composition can provide excellent in-use hair cleaning and conditioning. The example compositions hereof can be made by preparing a premix of the entire amount of silicone conditioning agent to be incorporated into the personal cleansing, along with sufficient ammonium sulfate and cetyl and stearyl alcohol such that the premix comprises about 30% silicone conditioning agent, about 69% surfactant, and about 1% of the alcohols. The premix ingredients are heated and stirred at 72° C. for about 10 minutes and the premix is then conventionally mixed with the remaining hot (72° C.) ingredients. The composition is then pumped through a high shear mixer and cooled.

EXAMPLE 29

The following examples, (L to Z), further describe and demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. These exemplified embodiments of the shampoo compositions of the present invention provide cleansing of hair and improved hair conditioning performance. Ingredients are hereinafter identified by chemical, trade, or CTFA name.

Preparation The shampoo compositions of the present invention can be prepared by using conventional mixing and formulating techniques. The shampoo compositions illustrated hereinafter in Examples L to Z are prepared in the following manner.

About one-third to all of the total sulfate surfactant (added as a 25% solution) is added to a jacketed mix tank and heated to about 74° C. with slow agitation to form a surfactant solution. Cocamide MEA and fatty alcohol, as applicable, are added to the tank and allowed to disperse. Ethylene glycol distearate (EGDS), as applicable, is then added to the mixing vessel, and melted. After the EGDS is well dispersed (usually about 5 to 20 minutes) polyethylene glycol and the preservative, if used are added and mixed into the surfactant solution. This mixture is passed through a heat exchanger where it is cooled to about 35° C. and collected in a finishing tank. As a result of this cooling step, the ethylene glycol distearate crystallizes to form a crystalline network in the product. The remainder of the surfactant and other ingredients including the silicone emulsions are added to the finishing tank with ample agitation to insure a homogeneous mixture. A sufficient amount of the silicone emulsions are added to provide the desired level of dimethicone in the final product. Water dispersible polymers are typically dispersed in water as a 1% to 10% solution before addition to the final mix. Once all ingredients have been added, ammonium xylene sulfonate or additional sodium chloride can be added to the mixture to thin or thicken respectively to achieve a desired product viscosity. Preferred viscosities range from about 2500 to about 9000 cS at 25° C. (as measured by a Wells-Brookfield cone and plate viscometer at 15/s).

Component L M N O P Ammonium BAS 2 4 4 5 4 Ammonium BAES 8 6 12 10 12 Cocamidopropylbetaine 0 0 2.5 0 1 Jaguar C17⁵ 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.30 0.15 SUDS3 0.2 2.5 0.2 0.15 0.5 Cocamide MEA 0.5 0.5 0.80 0.80 0 Cetyl Alcohol 0 0 0.42 0.42 0.42 Stearyl Alcohol 0 0 0.18 0.18 0.18 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 EP Silicone¹ 3.0 2.5 3.0 2.0 3.0 Perfume Solution 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 DMDM Hydantoin 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 Color Solution (ppm) 64 64 64 64 64 Water and Minors q.s. to 100% t Q R S T U Ammonium BAES 9.00 9.00 14.0 14.85 12.50 Cocamidopropylbetaine 1.70 1.70 2.70 1.85 4.20 Polyquaternium-10³ 0.05 0.02 0.15 0.15 0.15 Cocamide MEA 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0 SUDS2 0.2 0.36 0.42 1.0 0.15 Cetyl Alcohol 0 0 0.42 0.42 0.42 Stearyl Alcohol 0 0 0.18 0.18 0.18 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 EP Silicone⁴ 3.0 2.5 3.0 2.0 3.0 Perfume Solution 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 DMDM Hydantoin 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 Color Solution (ppm) 64 64 64 64 64 Water and Minors q.s. to 100% V W X Y Z Ammonium BAES 14.0 14.00 14.00 9.00 9.00 Cocamidopropylbetaine 2.70 2.70 2.70 1.70 1.70 Polyquaternium-10⁶ 0. 0.15 0.15 0.05 0.02 Cocamide MEA 0.80 0.80 0 0.80 0.80 Cetyl Alcohol 0 0.42 0 0 0 SUDS9 0.2 0.36 0.58 0.37 1.25 Stearyl Alcohol 0 0.18 0 0 0 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 0 0 0 1.50 1.50 Carbopol 981² 0.50 0.50 0.50 0 0 EP Silicone¹ 3.0 2.5 3.0 2.0 3.0 Perfume Solution 0.70 0.7 0.70 0.70 0.70 DMDM Hydantoin 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 Color Solution (ppm) 64 64 64 64 64 Water and Minors q.s. to 100% 1. EP Silicone is an experimental emulsion polymerized polydimethyl siloxane of about 97,000 csk with particle size of approximately 300 nm made via linear feedstock available from Dow Corning (2-1520; 13556-34). 2. Carbopol 981 is a crosslinked polyacrylate available from B.F. Goodrich. 3. Polyquaternium-10 is JR30M, a cationic cellulose derived polymer available from Amerchol. 4. EP Silicone is an experimental emulsion polymerized polydimethyl siloxane of about 335,000 csk with particle size of approximately 500 nm made via linear feedstock available from Dow Corning (2-1520; PE106004). 5. Jaguar C17 is a cationic polymer available from Rhone-Poulenc 6. Polyquaternium-10 is JR400, a cationic cellulose derived polymer available from Amerchol.

EXAMPLE 30

A shampoo having the following formula is prepared

Component % weight AA BAS 17 Zinc Pyridinethione* 2.0 Coconut Monoethanolamide 3.0 Ethylene Glycol Distereate 5.0 Sodium Citrate 0.5 SUDS7 0.3 Citric Acid 0.2 Color solution 0.1 Perfume 0.5 Water q.s. to 100.00% BB Triethanolamine alkylsulfate 10% BAS 9 Zinc Pyridinethione* 2.0 Coconut Monoethanolamide 2.0 SUDS1 0.33 Triethanolamine 3.0 Magnesium/Aluminium Silicate 0.5 Hydroxy Methyl Cellulose 0.6 Color solution 0.1 Perfume 0.3 Water q.s. to 100.00% CC Sodium Alkyl Glyceryl Sulfonate 5% BAS 15 Zinc Pyridinethione* 2.0 SUDS2 0.2 Sodium Chloride 5.0 Sodium N-Lauryl Sarcosinate 12.0 N-Cocoyl Sarcosine Acid 1.0 Lauric Diethanolamide 2.0 Color solution 0.12 Perfume 0.5 Water q.s. to 100.00% *The Zinc pyridinethione salt crystals prepared according to the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,753 to Bolich.

EXAMPLE 31

The compositions illustrated in Example 31 (DD to TT), illustrate specific embodiments of the shampoo compositions of the present invention, but are not intended to be limiting thereof. Other modifications can be undertaken by the skilled artisan without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. These exemplified embodiments of the shampoo compositions of the present invention provide excellent cleansing of hair and dandruff control.

All exemplified compositions can be prepared by conventional formulation and mixing techniques. Component amounts are listed as weight percents and exclude minor materials such as diluents, filler, and so forth. The listed formulations, therefore, comprise the listed components and any minor materials associated with such components.

Component DD EE FF GG HH Ammonium Laureth Sulfate 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 7.50 BAS 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 2.50 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 0.75 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 SUDS3 0.2 0.55 0.75 0.8 1.25 Zinc Pyrithione 1.00 1.00 1.00 — 1.00 Selenium Disulfide — — — 1.00 — Jaguar C17S 0.10 0.05 0.50 0.10 0.10 Fragrance q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Color q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. pH adjustment (Mono/Di sodium q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Phosphate) viscosity adjustment (Sodium q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Chloride, preservative (DMDM q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Hydantoin); Water JJ KK LL MM NN BAES 7.50 15.00 15.00 10.00 10.00 BAS 2.50 5.00 5.00 2.50 2.50 Cocamidopropyl Betaine — — — 2.50 2.50 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 0.75 — — — — Ethylene Glycol Distearate 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 SUDS6 0.1 0.85 0.15 0.2 0.3 Ketoconazole 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Jaguar C13S — 0.10 — 0.10 — Jaguar C17S 0.05 — 0.10 — 0.10 Fragrance q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Color q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. pH adjustment (Mono/Di q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. sodium Phosphate) Sodium Sulfate, PEG-600, q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate) preservative (DMDM q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Hydantoin); Water OO PP QQ RR SS TT Ammonium Laureth Sulfate 0 15.00 0 15.00 15.00 0 BAS 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 BAES 15.00 0 15.00 0 0 15.00 Cocamidopropyl Betaine 2.00 — — — — — Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate — 1.50 1.50 — — — Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate — — — — — 1.50 SUDS5 0.2 0.9 0.1 0.2 0.2 1.5 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 Stearyl Alcohol — — — — — — Zinc Pyrithione 1.00 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 1.00 Jaguar C13S 0.20 — — 0.10 0.05 — Jaguar C17S — 0.10 0.05 — — 0.10 Fragrance q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Color q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. pH adjustment (Mono/Di q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. sodium Phosphate) viscosity adjustment q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. (Sodium Chloride,) preservative (DMDM q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Hydantoin) Water q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s.

In preparing each of the compositions described in Examples DD to TT, about one-third of the surfactant (added as 25 wt % solution) is added to a jacketed mix tank and heated to about 74° C. with slow agitation to form a surfactant solution. Salts (sodium chloride) and pH modifiers (disodium phosphate, monosodium phosphate) are added to the tank and allowed to disperse. Ethylene glycol distearate (EGDS) is added to the mixing vessel and allowed to melt. After the EGDS is melted and dispersed (e.g., after about 5-20 minutes), preservative and additional viscosity modifier are added to the surfactant solution. The resulting mixture is passed through a heat exchanger where it is cooled to about 35° C. and collected in a finishing tank. As a result of this cooling step, the EGDS crystallizes to form a crystalline network in the product. The remainder of the surfactant and other components are added to the finishing tank with agitation to ensure a homogeneous mixture. Cationic guar polymer is dispersed in water as a 0.5-2.5% aqueous solution before addition to the final mix. Once all components have been added, viscosity and pH modifiers are added to the mixture to adjust product viscosity and pH to the extent desired.

Each exemplified composition provides excellent hair cleansing, lathering, antimicrobial agent deposition on the scalp and dandruff control.

EXAMPLE 32

Component A B C BAES 14.00 14.00 14.00 Cocamidopropyl Betaine — 2.50 2.50 Cocoamphodiacetate 2.50 — — Cocamide MEA 1.00 1.00 1.00 SUDS12 0.2 0.2 0.6 Ethylene Glycol Distearate 1.50 1.50 1.50 Cetyl Alcohol 0.42 0.42 0.42 Stearyl Alcohol 0.18 0.18 0.18 Zinc Pyrithione 1.00 1.00 1.00 Jaguar C13S 0.15 0.15 — Jaguar C17S — — 0.15 Fragrance q.s. q.s. q.s. Color q.s. q.s. q.s. pH adjustment (Mono/Di sodium q.s. q.s. q.s. Phosphate) viscosity adjustment (Sodium q.s. q.s. q.s. Chloride, preservative (DMDM Hydantoin); q.s. q.s. q.s. Water

In preparing each of the compositions described in (A to C), from 50% to 100% by weight of the detersive surfactants are added to a jacketed mix tank and heated to about 74° C. with slow agitation to form a surfactant solution. If used, pH modifiers (monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate) are added to the tank and allowed to disperse. Ethylene glycol distearate (EGDS) and fatty alcohols (cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol) are then added to the mixing vessel and allowed to melt. After the EGDS is melted and dispersed (usually about 5-10 minutes), preservative (if used) is added and mixed into the surfactant solution. Additional viscosity modifier are added to the surfactant solution if necessary. The resulting mixture is passed through a heat exchanger where it is cooled to about 35° C. and collected in a finishing tank. As a result of this cooling step, the EGDS crystallizes to form a crystalline network in the product. Any remaining surfactant and other components are added to the finishing tank with agitation to ensure a homogeneous mixture. Cationic guar polymer is dispersed in water as a 0.5-2.5% aqueous solution before addition to the final mix. Once all components have been added, viscosity and pH modifiers are added to the mixture to adjust product viscosity and pH to the extent desired.

Each exemplified composition provides excellent hair cleansing, lathering, antimicrobial agent deposition on the scalp, and dandruff control.

EXAMPLE 33

Weight % Component UU VV WW XX YY BAS 2.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 3.0 Cocamidopropyl Betaine FB 6.0 6.0 9.0 6.0 9.0 Alkyl Glyceryl Sulfonate 10.0 10.0 6.0 10.0 6.0 Mixture A 3.0 6.0 — — — Mixture B — — 3.0 — 6.0 Mixture C — — — 3.0 — SUDS3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.9 0.5 Dihydrogenated Tallowamidoethyl Hydroxyethylmonium 0.25 0.50 — 0.25 — Methosulfate (1) Ditallowamidoethyl Hydroxyproplymonium — — 0.25 — 0.25 Methosulfate (2) Polyquaternium-16 (Luviquat 905) — — — 0.25 — Monosodium Phosphate 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Disodium Phosphate 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Glycol Distearate 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Cocomonoethanol amide 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 Fragrance 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Cetyl Alcohol 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.60 Stearyl Alcohol 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 — PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Tetrastearate Polyquaternium 10 (JR30M) 0.3 — — 0.1 — Polyquaternium 10 (JR400) — 0.3 — — — Polyquaternium 10 (JR125) — — 0.3 — 0.1 Dimethicone — 0.3 0.3 — — DMDM Hydantoin 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Water qs qs qs qs qs 100 100 100 100 100 (1) Available under the tradename Varisoft 110 from Sherex Chemical Co. (Dublin, Ohio, USA) (2) Available under the tradename Varisoft 238 from Sherex Chemical Co. (Dublin, Ohio, USA)

Weight % Component ZZ AAA BBB CCC DDD BAES 4.0 5.0 6.0 3.0 4.0 SUDS1 0.2 0.2 0.25 1.0 2.5 BAS 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Ammonium Laureth Sulfate 5.5 4.5 3.5 3.5 4.5 Sodium Lauroamphoacetate 7.5 7.5 7.5 8.5 7.5 Mixture A 4.0 6.0 — — 4.0 Mixture B — — 4.0 — — Mixture C — — — 4.0 — Dihydrogenated Tallowamidoethyl Hydroxyethylmonium 1.0 — — — — Methosulfate (1) Ditallowamidoethyl Hydroxyproplymonium — 0.75 — — — Methosulfate (2) Ditallow Dimethyl — — 1.0 — 1.0 Ammonium Chloride (3) Ditallowamidoethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate — — — 0.75 — (4) Polyquaternium-16 (Luviquat 905) — — — 0.25 — Monosodium Phosphate 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Disodium Phosphate 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Glycol Distearate 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Cocomonoethanol amide 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 Fragrance 1.0 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0 Cetyl Alcohol 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 Stearyl Alcohol 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl 0.08 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Tetrastearate Polyquaternium 10 (JR30M) 0.3 — — 0.1 0.3 Polyquaternium 10 (JR400) — 0.3 — — — Polyquaternium 10 (JR125) — — 0.3 — — Dimethicone — 0.5 0.3 — — DMDM Hydantoin 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Water qs qs qs qs qs 100 100 100 100 100 (1) Available under the tradename Varisoft 110 from Sherex Chemical Co. (Dublin, Ohio, USA) (2) Available under the tradename Varisoft 238 from Sherex Chemical Co. (Dublin, Ohio, USA) (3) Available under the tradename Adogen 442-110P from Witco (Dublin, Ohio, USA) (4) Available under the tradename Varisoft 222 from Sherex Chemical Co. (Dublin, Ohio, USA)

Weight % Component EEE FFF GGG HHH III BAES 2.0 3.0 5.0 2.0 3.0 BAS — 1.0 — 1.0 1.0 Ammonium Laureth Sulfate 0 6.5 4.0 7.0 6.0 Cocamidopropyl Betaine FB 6.0 — 4.7 — — Sodium Lauroamphoacetate — 7.5 — 7.5 7.5 SUDS10 0.2 0.2 5.0 0.3 1.2 Alkyl Glyceryl Sulfonate 10.0 — — — — Mixture A — — — 4.0 — Mixture C — — — — 4.0 Mixture D 6.0 4.0 8.0 — — Dihydrogenated Tallowamidoethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate 0.25 — — 0.5 — (1) Ditallow Dimethyl Ammonium — 1.0 — — — Chloride (3) Di(partially hardened soyoylethyl) Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate — — 0.75 — 1.0 (5) Polyquaternium-16 (Luviquat 905) — — — 0.25 — Monosodium Phosphate 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Disodium Phosphate 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Glycol Distearate 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Cocomonoethanol amide 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 Fragrance 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Cetyl Alcohol 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 Stearyl Alcohol 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl 0.10 0.08 1.0 0.10 0.08 Tetrastearate Polyquaternium 10 (JR30M) — — 0.3 — — Polyquaternium 10 (JR400) — 0.3 — — — Polyquaternium 10 (JR125) 0.3 — — — — Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium — — — 0.25 0.5 Chloride Dimethicone — 0.5 — — — DMDM Hydantoin 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Water qs qs qs qs qs 100 100 100 100 100 (1) Available under the tradename Varisoft 110 from Sherex Chemical Co. (Dublin, Ohio, USA) (3) Available under the tradename Adogen 442-110P from Witco Corporation (Dublin, Ohio, USA) (5) Available under the tradename Armocare EQ-S from Akzo-Nobel Chemicals Inc. (Chicago, Ill., USA) Mixture A. w/w ratio

-   -   Styling Polymer: t-butyl acrylate/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate         (90/10 w/w) 40     -   Volatile Solvent: isododecane 60         Mixture B. w/w         ratio     -   Styling Polymer: t-butyl acrylate/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate         (90/10 w/w) 50     -   Volatile Solvent: isododecane 50         Mixture C. w/w         ratio     -   Styling Polymer: t-butyl acrylate/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate/PDMS         macromer     -   (81/9/10 w/w) 40     -   Volatile Solvent: isododecane 60         Mixture D. w/w         ratio     -   Styling Polymer: vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (5/95 w/w) 40     -   Volatile Solvent: diethyl succinate 60

EXAMPLE 34

The compositions of the present invention, in general, can be made by mixing together at elevated temperature, e.g., about 72° C. water and surfactants along with any solids (e.g., amphiphiles) that need to be melted, to speed mixing into the personal cleansing composition. Additional ingredients including the electrolytes can be added either to this hot premix or after cooling the premix. The nonionic or anionic polymers can be added as a water solution after cooling the premix. The ingredients are mixed thoroughly at the elevated temperature and then pumped through a high shear mill and then through a heat exchanger to cool them to ambient temperature. The silicone may be emulsified at room temperature in concentrated surfactant and then added to the cooled product. Alternately, for example, the silicone conditioning agent can be mixed with anionic surfactant and fatty alcohol, such as cetyl and stearyl alcohols, at elevated temperature, to form a premix containing dispersed silicone. The premix can then be added to and mixed with the remaining materials of the personal cleansing composition, pumped through a high shear mill, and cooled.

The personal cleansing compositions illustrated in Example XXII (JJJ to QQQ) illustrate specific embodiments of the personal cleansing compositions of the present invention, but are not intended to be limiting thereof. Other modifications can be undertaken by the skilled artisan without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. These exemplified embodiments of the personal cleansing compositions of the present invention provide cleansing of hair and/or skin and improved conditioning.

All exemplified compositions can be prepared by conventional formulation and mixing techniques. Component amounts are listed as weight percents and exclude minor materials such as diluents, filler, and so forth. The listed formulations, therefore, comprise the listed components and any minor materials associated with such components.

Ingredients JJJ KKK LLL MMM NNN BAES 5.00 — — — — BAS 5.00 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.50 Sodium alkyl glycerol sulfonate 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Cocoamidopropyl Betaine — — — — — SUDS7 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.5 0.25 Glycol Distearate 2.00 1.50 2.00 2.00 2.00 Cocomonoethanol amide 0.60 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 Cetyl Alcohol 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 Stearyl Alcohol 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 EDTA (ethylenediamine tetra 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 acetic acid) Monosodium phosphate 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Disodium phosphate 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Sodium Benzoate 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Hydroxyethylcellulose¹ 0.10 0.25 — — — Hydroxypropyl Guar² — — 0.25 — — Hydroxyethylethylcellulose³ — — 0.25 — Polystyrene Sulfonate — — — 0.25 Tricetyl methylammonium chloride 0.58 — — — — Perfume 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 Dimethicone 1.00 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 Glydant 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 NaCl 0.20 0.30 0.30 1.00 0.30 Water and minors q.s. to 100% OOO PPP QQQ BAES — 9.00 8.00 BAS 6.00 — — Sodium alkyl glycerol sulfonate 1.00 2.50 — SUDS8 0.2 0.2 0.2 Cocoamidopropyl Betaine — 2.50 — Glycol Distearate 1.50 1.50 2.00 Cocomonoethanol amide 0.85 0.85 — Cetyl Alcohol 0.42 0.42 0.40 Stearyl Alcohol 0.18 0.18 0.18 EDTA (ethylenediamine tetra 0.10 0.10 0.10 acetic acid) Monosodium phosphate 0.10 0.10 0.10 Disodium phosphate 0.20 0.20 0.20 Sodium Benzoate 0.25 0.25 0.25 Hydroxyethylcellulose¹ 0.25 0.25 0.25 Hydroxypropyl Guar² — — — Hydroxyethylethylcellulose³ — — — Polystyrene Sulfonate — — — Tricetyl methylammonium chloride — — — Perfume 0.60 0.60 0.60 Dimethicone 1.50 1.50 — Glydant 0.20 0.20 0.20 Sodium Lauroamphoacetate — — 3.60 Polyquaternium-10 — — 0.20 NaCl 0.30 0.30 — Water and minors q.s. to 100% ¹Natrosol 250 HHR from Aqualon ²Jaguar HP 60 from Rhone-Poulenc ³Bermocoll E411 FQ from Akzo Nobel 

1. A detergent composition comprising: (a) a polymeric suds stabilizer selected from the group consisting of: (i) a polymer comprising at least one monomeric unit having the formula:

wherein each of R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, and mixtures thereof; L is O; Z is CH₂; z is an integer selected from about 2 to about 12; A is NR⁴R⁵, wherein each of R⁴ and R⁵ am independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₈ alkyl, and mixtures thereof, or NR⁴R⁵ form an heterocyclic ring containing from 4 to 7 carbon atoms, optionally containing additional hetero atoms, optionally fused to a benzene ring, and optionally substituted by C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl; (ii) a proteinaceous suds stabilizer having an isoelectric point form about 7 to about 11.5; (iii) a zwitterionic polymeric suds stabilizer; and (iv) mixtures thereof; and wherein said polymeric suds stabilizer has a molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000 daltons; (b) a detersive surfactant; (c) an amine oxide; and (d) carriers and optionally, other adjunct ingredients.
 2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said polymeric suds stabilizer comprises a molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 1,000,000.
 3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said polymeric suds stabilizer is a copolymer of: (i)

wherein R¹, R⁴, R⁵ and z are as hereinbefore defined; and (ii)

wherein R¹ and L are as hereinbefore defined, and B is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl, NR⁴R⁵, and mixtures thereof; wherein each of R⁴ and R⁵ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₈ linear or branched alkyl, alkyleneoxy having the formula: —(R¹⁰O)_(y)R¹¹ wherein R¹⁰ is C₂-C₄ linear or branched alkylene, and mixtures thereof; R¹¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, and mixtures thereof; y is from 1 to about 10; or NR⁴R⁵ form a heterocyclic ring containing from 4 to 7 carbon atoms, optionally containing additional hetero atoms, optionally fused to a benzene ring, and optionally substituted by C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl; wherein ratio of (i) to (ii) is from about 99:1 to about 10:1.
 4. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said polymeric suds stabilizer is a homopolymer of:


5. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said polymeric suds stabilizer is a copolymer of: i)


6. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said zwitterionic polymeric suds stabilizer has the formula:

wherein R is C₁-C₁₂ linear alkylene, C₁-C₁₂ branched alkylene and mixtures thereof; R¹ is a unit capable of having a negative charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12; R² is a unit capable of having a positive charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12; n has a value such that said zwitterionic polymers suds stabilizer has an average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000 daltons; x is from 0 to 6; y is 0 or 1; and z is 0 or
 1. 7. A composition according to claim 6, wherein said zwitterionic polymeric suds stabilizer has an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons.
 8. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said polymeric suds stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of a homopolymer, a copolymer, a terpolymer and mixtures thereof.
 9. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said composition further comprises a detersive surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.
 10. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of granules, tablets, liquids, liquid-gels, gels, microemulsion, thixatropic liquid, bars, pastes, powders and mixtures thereof.
 11. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said composition is selected from the group consisting of liquid laundry compositions, liquid hard surface cleansing compositions, automatic dishwashing compositions, fabric softening compositions, rinse aid compositions, and mixtures thereof.
 12. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said composition is a nonaqueous, liquid, heavy-duty detergent composition in the form of a stable suspension of solid, substantially insoluble particulate material dispersed throughout a structured, surfactant-containing liquid phase, wherein said nonaqueous, liquid, heavy-duty detergent composition further comprises: i) from about 55% to about 98.9% by weight of the composition of a structured, surfactant-containing liquid phase ford by combining; ii) from about 1% to about 80% by weight of said liquid phase of one or more nonaqueous organic diluents; and iii) from about 20% to about 99% by weight of said liquid phase of a surfactant system comprising surfactants selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic surfactants and combinations thereof.
 13. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said composition is an aqueous based heavy-duty liquid detergent composition, wherein said aqueous based liquid detergent composition further comprises: A) from about 5% to about 70% by weight of composition, of a surfactant system; B) from about 0.1 to about 8% of a co-surfactant composition selected from the group consisting of alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amide, alkyl amidopropyl dimethyl amine and mixtures thereof; and C) from about 30% to about 95%, of an aqueous liquid carrier.
 14. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said composition is an laundry bar composition, wherein said laundry bar further comprises detergent additives selected from the group consisting of builders, bleaching compounds, polymeric dispersing agents, anti-deposition agents, polymeric soil release agents, enzymes, surfactants and mixtures thereof.
 15. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said composition is granular laundry detergent composition, wherein said granular laundry detergent composition further comprises detergent additives selected from the group consisting of builders, bleaching compounds, polymeric dispersing agents, anti-deposition agents, polymeric soil release agents, enzymes, surfactants and mixtures thereof.
 16. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said detersive surfactant is an anionic surfactant having skin irritating characteristics and is selected from the group consisting of C₈-C₁₈ aklyl benzene sulfonates, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl sulfates containing from 0 to 3 ethenoxy groups in the molecule, C₈-C₂₅ olefin sulfonates, C₁₀-C₂₀ paraffin sulfonates, C₈-C₉ alkyl phenol ethoxamer sulfates, and mixtures thereof.
 17. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said composition further comprises an anionic surfactant, an enzyme and mixtures thereof, wherein said enzyme is selected from the group consisting of amylase, protease and mixtures thereof. 